What is up with all these traffic circles?

[marmar]

They seem to be popping up everywhere..... Southfield, Ypsi Township, Shelby Township. I've done quite a bit of driving around the metro area this week and I keep running into them.

[RKP5637]

1. Yep, it seems to be the new fad. Too many don't know how to use them and sometimes it

can be pretty chilling.

[yodermon]

2. Here in NC too

Everywhere. Someone decided we need to copy the Brits.

[emulatorloo]

3. Agreed, they are quite dangerous because US drivers don't get it.

And IMHO there is no reason why US drivers should be forced to get it. I am not sure what the thinking is, are stop lights or stop signs too expensive? Surely not.

[4139]

4. Safer, more effecient ...

[niyad]

6. NOT if one is not familiar with them. it is scary watching the ones around here, because most

people are completely clueless (and they don't drive all that well to begin with!)

[niyad]

5. they are all over this community, as well, and scary as can be, since most people haven't got

a clue.

[Demeter]

7. We have several in Ann Arbor these past 10 years

Some are better than others: they eliminate stop lights, and dangerous intersections are channeled better to ease traffic flow and conflict. Some intersections are so over-used that even roundabouts don't help much. We need more roads that go to useful places!

Ann Arbor wasn't built on a grid plan like Detroit (my home city). There's usually only one good way to get from A to B (if there is any path), and it's usually under construction!

The danger is from those who have never seen one, and go the wrong way, or stop in the middle, or dump trucks that misjudge speed and tip over and dump their gravel load, etc. (things I have witnessed)

Although I am Michigan born, I learned to drive in Massachusetts, where rotaries have been used 100 years, and there are STILL people that don't know how to handle them.

Just remember, if you miss your exit, go around a second time.

[corkhead]

8. drive around in France for a couple of weeks and you will learn to appreciate them.

They already know how to use them, we still have a learning curve to overcome.

[marmar]

9. I metro-ed and TGVed in France. No voitures. :)