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Roundabouts are a great idea and as anyone who has traveled on the A421 would know, they help to keep the traffic moving. They’re far better than an endless stream of traffic lights and junctions that would otherwise impede the progress of the average commuter.
After all, our primary sense that guides us is sight
There’s one thing about them that bothers me though. Why on earth are they starting to build them so high? They are beginning to look more like futuristic bio-domes and are so tall that you can’t see across them and therefore be aware of what the traffic is doing. In my opinion, this is a real safety issue. Wouldn’t it be far better if you could clearly observe the traffic coming on to and going around the roundabout? After all, when we're driving on the road, our primary sense that guides us is sight.
A built up roundabout, with no visibility of the other side is completely against that idea. When you approach one of these, you have to slow right down, because a car or a bike going round it will usually pop into view at the last second, especially if they are travelling at speed.
In contrast, if you could observe traffic actually on the roundabout and approaching it from all sides, you would be in a far better position to adjust your speed to the correct degree to negotiate it safely.
They’re busy planting trees and shrubs on many roundabouts at the moment, no doubt in preparation for spring and summer. It’s such a shame that they haven’t considered the safety ramifications of all this.
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Last year I complained about a roundabout, the main one at end of the motorway heading into Blackpool ,where one continues on towards south shore allong Yeadon Way.
At its circumference it raises some 2 ft and then has bushes planted which makes it at least 5ft tall all the way round, only traffic entering from the immeadiate right can be seen- nothing on and coming round is visible unless its a pantechnican or coach. and the speed limit is 40 mph just reduced from 70 on the m.way.
So I complained and within that complaint was a veiled threat that in the event of an accident the authority may be found somewhat responsible by way of consrutuctive obstruction and therefore have some degree of liability in the event of an accident. ie they could be sued.
Low and behold this spring all the bushes round the outside of the roundabout were removed and now visibility is much improved and to my mind much safer........
so it pays to complain and mention being sued ........of course.
Too many of the worst drivers (male or female) apply make-up to their cars in order to look glossy and flash, and even to themselves when driving.
This like all the other elements has the female component in it like many other things in life which don't go well.
However, don't mention this in front of Harriet Harman - she's a man eater and will gobble you up if you say anything truthful that she wishes to keep quiet.
Black Astra Life Hatchback
Saturday 9th May 2009 at 10:30
Pulled out as I was going around the A583 roundabout by a B&Q just before the M55 near Blackpool.
I indicated that I was leaving the roundabout and as I started to change lanes to move over he pulls out.
What is it with these poncey drivers who think they come first all the time? I suppose the ladies before gentlemen syndrome explains it if they have this tendency and have the woman element in them.
There may be situations where this is not possible but to deliberately design a road feature that interferes with vision is just plain daft.
Being able to see the traffic coming from the right in advance means that you can filter in safely at an appropriate speed instead of having to virtually stop before entering the roundabout.
It's annoying when the island on the approach andf exit roads of roundabouts have trees/shrubbery on, because that is more of an issue, but you're supposed to concentrate on the traffi from the right, not traffic directly opposite.
It's not the roundabouts which are dangerous! It's the speeding idiots who are the problem!
If you drive at the correct [safe] speed, surprise surprise: the 'danger' disappears!
So somebody has completely missed the point!
Perhaps the person who posted this should read: -
a) the Highway Code
b) The Driving Manual
or
c)Take the driving test!
Google 'Dunning Kruger effect'
That is the whole point! To slow people down. Roundabouts are more dangerous the faster cars approach and take them.
Jim R
at 44 tonnes... At least in a car you can nip out smartly - NOT an option in a HGV. So when you
think us guys are being bad mannered and pulling out into your path we simply don't have a chance.
We'd sit there all day otherwise... With some visibility no one need ever stop at roundabouts if you
get your timing correct!! One more thing...Drivers too lazy to indicate on roundabouts don't exist in my world. If you're to damn lazy to show your intentions to other road users, I'll be pulling right across your path sometime soon!! Don't dare complain either. You asked for it.