Video description:
Roundabouts - the circular intersections seen all over Europe and elsewhere in the world - are said to be far safer than traffic lights. Research shows they reduce crashes, clear up congestion and save cities quite a bit of money. They have a heritage in the U.S., but America has a fraction of the roundabouts that far smaller countries like France, Spain and the United Kingdom have. But there are some states that are adopting them, and one small town in particular: Carmel, Indiana. The people of Carmel love their roundabouts and the mayor credits them with helping revitalize his city. So are they all they’re cracked up to be? And if so, why hasn’t the U.S. adopted them?
One of our suburbs here in the Midwest has the most roundabouts of any US city, and they’re adding them to the suburb I live in and others relatively rapidly. Even replacing a “Michigan left” that everyone hates with one soon (wish they’d done it right the first time!).
People still complain about them ALL the time but I don’t care, I like them and the intersections where they’ve been added don’t back up like the four-ways used to (often BADLY). Bring ‘em! But also, learn how to use them people, it’s not that hard: if you’re already inside the roundabout you have the right of way until you leave. May be nuances with multiple lanes and such but it’s mostly ONE RULE!