How to use a roundabout (also called a traffic circle)

MarkJerling · 11-25-2020, 01:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by gaweidert

I present the Diverging Diamond interchange. There is one near my house. Time stopped is reduced by 50% and accidents are down 90%. Once you used to them they are great. No turns across oncoming traffic.

We have (what I believe is) a simpler solution: Roundabouts as interchanges at an overpass.

(Not my image - ignore the red rectangles)

But, I presume that solution slows traffic less, so makes for faster travel.

jeallen01 · 11-25-2020, 01:31 PM

(And I have said this before!) the US "4-way stop" junction is a "conundrum" to most of us brought up with roundabouts - they seem more like "who dares wins" (or maybe NOT!) scenarios

MarkJerling · 11-25-2020, 01:33 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by savoche

Yes, we use them all over the place.

A Zimbabwean friend pointed out two other things that make roundabouts better than 'robots' (traffic lights); They don't break and they can't be stolen

Very true!

I seem to recall the same argument held true in South Africa.

I also know that 'robots' are expensive as you get a bill if you run over one. (Don't ask me how I know)

jeallen01 · 11-25-2020, 01:56 PM

Nowadays we have quite a few roundabouts which have part-time traffic lights on some, but not always all, entry roads to ensure the traffic flows fairly smoothly at busy times but are not then active for the rest of the day.

**boriscleto** · 11-25-2020, 02:05 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by MarkJerling

Very true!

I seem to recall the same argument held true in South Africa.

I also know that 'robots' are expensive as you get a bill if you run over one. (Don't ask me how I know)

Those 'robots' have been made here in Syracuse by the Crouse-Hinds Company (Today Eaton Crouse-Hinds) since the 1920s. They manufacture pedestrian signals, stadium lighting, airport lighting etc, but traffic signals is still the main business. That includes the Green-on-Top light on Tipperary Hill...

Name: Screenshot 2020-11-25 160252.png
Views: 141
Size: 1.35 MB

Name: Screenshot 2020-11-25 160252.png
Views: 141
Size: 1.35 MB

**RobA_Oz** · 11-25-2020, 02:13 PM - **3 Likes**

Many roundabouts here have been eliminated in favour of traffic lights. In one case, getting rid of two on a dual carriageway here added ten minutes to a fifteen minute journey. Great decision.

People who get confused by simple roundabouts that employ common “give way” rules shouldn’t be driving.

**Larrymc** · 11-25-2020, 02:17 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by savoche

Lucky you!

The Magic Roundabout in Swindon, England. - YouTube

What a sinister mess!!!

PDL · 11-25-2020, 02:35 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by MarkJerling

We have (what I believe is) a simpler solution: Roundabouts as interchanges at an overpass.

(Not my image - ignore the red rectangles)

But, I presume that solution slows traffic less, so makes for faster travel.

I got stuck on one of those in Oxford UK. I drove around in circles about 5 times (a few exits lead to driving off into the hinterlands to turn around and get back the the overpass). The lack of signs designating the correct street to exit on, was the main issue. It got to the point that I ended up counting exits before getting it right. Of course I was driving a Peugeot with a manual transmission - ya know coming from the US driving on the right, shifting with the left and the turn signals on the right side of the steering column. Every time I wanted to turn left, the wind screen (see what I did there) wipers would come on. The first few days were sort of frustrating.

Since that trip, we have seen more roundabouts here in the PNW and I do have to laugh at people when we encounter them. Some people do not have the foggiest idea about how to use them. Especially left turns, I have seen people "go against the stream".

robtcorl · 11-25-2020, 02:45 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by PDL

shifting with the left and the turn signals on the right side of the steering column.

Reading that made me break out in a cold sweat.
I hope the clutch was on the far left, and the go pedal on the far right.

**richard0170** · 11-25-2020, 02:58 PM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

Many roundabouts here have been eliminated in favour of traffic lights. In one case, getting rid of two on a dual carriageway here added ten minutes to a fifteen minute journey. Great decision.

Sounds like someone had a budget to spend.....and a friend with whom to spend it.

---------- Post added 11-25-20 at 02:59 PM ----------

Originally posted by Larrymc

What a sinister mess!!!

Trust me, I lived there for 29 years. Believe it or not it does work.

MarkJerling · 11-25-2020, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by robtcorl

Reading that made me break out in a cold sweat.
I hope the clutch was on the far left, and the go pedal on the far right.

Almost all European cars have the turn signals on the left and the wipers on the right, but, weirdly, Annie's new car is the other way round. So yes, whenever I drive it I indicate with the wipers the first few times!

Pedal positions don't change - unless you're driving a Model T or a 1901 Benz. Although, having been used to driving manual, I do, occasionally plant my left foot in the corner and go to change gears - with the auto!

PDL · 11-25-2020, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by robtcorl

Reading that made me break out in a cold sweat.
I hope the clutch was on the far left, and the go pedal on the far right.

Clutch, Break and Gas - just like the US.
Shift pattern on the 5 speed transmission was the same basic system as in the US.

Slide Left Push -> 1st
Slide Left Pull -> 2nd
Center Push -> 3rd
Center Pull -> 4th
Slide Right Push -> 4th
Slide Right Pull -> 5th
Slide far right pull -> reverse

The only difference is the hand you use to shift with. US we use the right hand, UK (and others) the left.
Our second trip I made sure that we had a automatic.

On our trips to NZ we rented a automatic - both times a Subaru - gutless wonders. (I drive a Subaru Manual currently, not as gutless as the one's we rented)

jeallen01 · 11-25-2020, 03:20 PM

Oddly enough, I've rarely had problems with changing from cars with the gear shift/stick on my Left (as in the UK) to those with the stick on my Right (as in the US and most other European countries, etc.) - I just get in the drivers' seats and "which hand to use" for the stick "just comes naturally"

**RobA_Oz** · 11-25-2020, 03:49 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by richard0170

Sounds like someone had a budget to spend.....and a friend with whom to spend it.

The explanation from the traffic engineers was that “bunching” vehicles at traffic lights improved the average journey times. All that does, in my observation, is introduce further delays in staggered restarts, especially now, when people check their mobile phones at the lights. Sounding your horn to wake them up is now viewed as aggressive driving behaviour (really? Killing or maiming takes more time than a polite toot).

MarkJerling · 11-25-2020, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Those 'robots' have been made here in Syracuse by the Crouse-Hinds Company (Today Eaton Crouse-Hinds) since the 1920s. They manufacture pedestrian signals, stadium lighting, airport lighting etc, but traffic signals is still the main business. That includes the Green-on-Top light on Tipperary Hill...

Attachment 516113

Why is it upside down?

11-25-2020, 03:08 PM	#72
PDL Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PNW USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,127	Originally posted by robtcorl Reading that made me break out in a cold sweat. I hope the clutch was on the far left, and the go pedal on the far right. Clutch, Break and Gas - just like the US. Shift pattern on the 5 speed transmission was the same basic system as in the US. Slide Left Push -> 1st Slide Left Pull -> 2nd Center Push -> 3rd Center Pull -> 4th Slide Right Push -> 4th Slide Right Pull -> 5th Slide far right pull -> reverse The only difference is the hand you use to shift with. US we use the right hand, UK (and others) the left. Our second trip I made sure that we had a automatic. On our trips to NZ we rented a automatic - both times a Subaru - gutless wonders. (I drive a Subaru Manual currently, not as gutless as the one's we rented)

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11-25-2020, 01:23 PM - 1 Like	#61
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,405 Original Poster	Originally posted by gaweidert I present the Diverging Diamond interchange. There is one near my house. Time stopped is reduced by 50% and accidents are down 90%. Once you used to them they are great. No turns across oncoming traffic. We have (what I believe is) a simpler solution: Roundabouts as interchanges at an overpass. (Not my image - ignore the red rectangles) But, I presume that solution slows traffic less, so makes for faster travel.

11-25-2020, 01:31 PM	#62
jeallen01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,697	(And I have said this before!) the US "4-way stop" junction is a "conundrum" to most of us brought up with roundabouts - they seem more like "who dares wins" (or maybe NOT!) scenarios

11-25-2020, 01:33 PM - 2 Likes	#63
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,405 Original Poster	Originally posted by savoche Yes, we use them all over the place. A Zimbabwean friend pointed out two other things that make roundabouts better than 'robots' (traffic lights); They don't break and they can't be stolen Very true! I seem to recall the same argument held true in South Africa. I also know that 'robots' are expensive as you get a bill if you run over one. (Don't ask me how I know)

11-25-2020, 01:56 PM	#64
jeallen01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,697	Nowadays we have quite a few roundabouts which have part-time traffic lights on some, but not always all, entry roads to ensure the traffic flows fairly smoothly at busy times but are not then active for the rest of the day.

11-25-2020, 02:05 PM - 2 Likes	#65
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by MarkJerling Very true! I seem to recall the same argument held true in South Africa. I also know that 'robots' are expensive as you get a bill if you run over one. (Don't ask me how I know) Those 'robots' have been made here in Syracuse by the Crouse-Hinds Company (Today Eaton Crouse-Hinds) since the 1920s. They manufacture pedestrian signals, stadium lighting, airport lighting etc, but traffic signals is still the main business. That includes the Green-on-Top light on Tipperary Hill...

11-25-2020, 02:13 PM - 3 Likes	#66
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	Many roundabouts here have been eliminated in favour of traffic lights. In one case, getting rid of two on a dual carriageway here added ten minutes to a fifteen minute journey. Great decision. People who get confused by simple roundabouts that employ common “give way” rules shouldn’t be driving.

11-25-2020, 02:17 PM - 1 Like	#67
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,251	Originally posted by savoche Lucky you! The Magic Roundabout in Swindon, England. - YouTube What a sinister mess!!!

11-25-2020, 02:35 PM - 3 Likes	#68
PDL Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PNW USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,127	Originally posted by MarkJerling We have (what I believe is) a simpler solution: Roundabouts as interchanges at an overpass. (Not my image - ignore the red rectangles) But, I presume that solution slows traffic less, so makes for faster travel. I got stuck on one of those in Oxford UK. I drove around in circles about 5 times (a few exits lead to driving off into the hinterlands to turn around and get back the the overpass). The lack of signs designating the correct street to exit on, was the main issue. It got to the point that I ended up counting exits before getting it right. Of course I was driving a Peugeot with a manual transmission - ya know coming from the US driving on the right, shifting with the left and the turn signals on the right side of the steering column. Every time I wanted to turn left, the wind screen (see what I did there) wipers would come on. The first few days were sort of frustrating. Since that trip, we have seen more roundabouts here in the PNW and I do have to laugh at people when we encounter them. Some people do not have the foggiest idea about how to use them. Especially left turns, I have seen people "go against the stream".

11-25-2020, 02:45 PM - 1 Like	#69
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	Originally posted by PDL shifting with the left and the turn signals on the right side of the steering column. Reading that made me break out in a cold sweat. I hope the clutch was on the far left, and the go pedal on the far right.

11-25-2020, 02:58 PM	#70
richard0170 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,032	Originally posted by RobA_Oz Many roundabouts here have been eliminated in favour of traffic lights. In one case, getting rid of two on a dual carriageway here added ten minutes to a fifteen minute journey. Great decision. Sounds like someone had a budget to spend.....and a friend with whom to spend it. ---------- Post added 11-25-20 at 02:59 PM ---------- Originally posted by Larrymc What a sinister mess!!! Trust me, I lived there for 29 years. Believe it or not it does work.

11-25-2020, 03:02 PM	#71
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,405 Original Poster	Originally posted by robtcorl Reading that made me break out in a cold sweat. I hope the clutch was on the far left, and the go pedal on the far right. Almost all European cars have the turn signals on the left and the wipers on the right, but, weirdly, Annie's new car is the other way round. So yes, whenever I drive it I indicate with the wipers the first few times! Pedal positions don't change - unless you're driving a Model T or a 1901 Benz. Although, having been used to driving manual, I do, occasionally plant my left foot in the corner and go to change gears - with the auto!

11-25-2020, 03:20 PM	#73
jeallen01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,697	Oddly enough, I've rarely had problems with changing from cars with the gear shift/stick on my Left (as in the UK) to those with the stick on my Right (as in the US and most other European countries, etc.) - I just get in the drivers' seats and "which hand to use" for the stick "just comes naturally"

11-25-2020, 03:49 PM - 2 Likes	#74
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	Originally posted by richard0170 Sounds like someone had a budget to spend.....and a friend with whom to spend it. The explanation from the traffic engineers was that “bunching” vehicles at traffic lights improved the average journey times. All that does, in my observation, is introduce further delays in staggered restarts, especially now, when people check their mobile phones at the lights. Sounding your horn to wake them up is now viewed as aggressive driving behaviour (really? Killing or maiming takes more time than a polite toot).

11-25-2020, 04:12 PM	#75
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,405 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto Those 'robots' have been made here in Syracuse by the Crouse-Hinds Company (Today Eaton Crouse-Hinds) since the 1920s. They manufacture pedestrian signals, stadium lighting, airport lighting etc, but traffic signals is still the main business. That includes the Green-on-Top light on Tipperary Hill... Attachment 516113 Why is it upside down?