‘[adrotate group=”1″] Traffic circles, also known as roundabouts or rotaries, are circular intersections that are designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and congestion by eliminating traffic lights and allowing vehicles to flow continuously in one direction. However, traffic circles are not without their drawbacks. In this post, we will explore some of the cons of traffic circles and why they are not always the best solution for traffic management. Confusion and Fear One of the main disadvantages of traffic circles is that they can cause confusion and fear among drivers, especially those who are unfamiliar with them or encounter them infrequently. Traffic circles ,than conventional intersections, such as yielding to the traffic already in the circle, choosing the correct lane, and exiting at the right time. These rules can vary depending on the size, design, and location of the traffic circle, adding to the complexity and uncertainty. Some drivers may not know how to navigate a traffic circle properly, leading to mistakes, hesitation, or aggression. Other drivers may avoid traffic circles altogether, preferring to take longer or less convenient routes. Space and Cost Another disadvantage of traffic circles is that they can take up more space and cost more money than conventional intersections. Traffic circles typically require a larger footprint than traffic lights, which can be a problem in urban areas where space is limited or valuable. Traffic circles may also require additional land acquisition, road widening, or relocation of utilities, which can increase the cost and complexity of the project. Moreover, traffic circles may not be compatible with existing road geometry, traffic patterns, or environmental conditions, requiring additional modifications or adaptations. Safety and Efficiency A third disadvantage of traffic circles is that they may not always improve safety and efficiency as intended. While traffic circles can reduce the severity and frequency of crashes by eliminating right-angle and head-on collisions, they can also increase the risk of rear-end and sideswipe collisions by forcing drivers to merge, change lanes, and exit at high speeds. Furthermore, traffic circles may not be able to handle large volumes of traffic or accommodate large vehicles, such as buses, trucks, or emergency vehicles, resulting in congestion*, delays, or conflicts. Additionally, traffic circles may pose challenges for pedestrians, bicyclists, and visually impaired people, who may have difficulty crossing the road or finding their way around the circle. *I can attest to not handling large volumes of traffic. An intersection I frequently used, (with a stop sign would mean a short stop and go). With the roundabout it took over a half hour to cross that intersection. I was going North, the East-West traffic was so congested because of roundabouts further down the road causing a steady flow of people going East and West to and from work. There was traffic backed up as far as the eye could see. Now you go back to the other roundabouts and you can imagine the North-South traffic was backed up at each one. As if the backup wasn’t bad enough imagine the problems caused by the people backed up. Either trying to cross the street or entering the street we were on, and at the other roundabout traffic circles. Just accidents, ROAD RAGE, etc. I came to the conclusion the real gains were made by the TOW TRUCK operators. I am sure they must have a party everytime a new roundabout is built. (Not really a party, BUT knowing their profits will rise). Conclusion Traffic circles are not a one-size-fits-all solution for traffic management. They have their pros and cons, and their effectiveness depends on various factors, such as the design, location, and context of the traffic circle. Therefore, traffic engineers and planners should carefully evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of traffic circles before implementing them, and consider alternative or complementary measures, such as traffic signals, signs, markings, or education, to enhance the safety and efficiency of traffic circles. ‘[adrotate group=”1″] Post Views: 132
Tag: Busses
Parents Must Pay For Bus Ride To School
Franklin Township in central Indiana sold school buses to an independent firm for $1. Now parents of the children in this district have a choice to make. Take them to school, and pick them up. (Which would have been impossible for me as a working single parent). Let them walk in the dark of the morning. Dark because Supreme Ruler Mitch Daniels, deemed Indiana, a state which lines up in the CENTRAL time zone, observe ATLANTIC time (AKA Eastern DAYLIGHT SAVINGS time). Which puts Indiana residents 2 hours ahead of the sun. Thus children walking in the dark to school. Or, PAY about $475.oo a year for the first student in the family, with a discount for other children of the family. From what I read a family of 2 students will pay $900.oo So, the way I figure it the rest of the families students ride for $425.oo each. That means a family who is either living on unemployment, or welfare, or working and earning the minimum wage will really have little choice, but to make them walk, and risk being kidnapped. Hit by a car or truck or/and harmed in some way. Heck it would be a drain on any family. By the time you clothe, and pay at least a couple of dollars for school lunches, extra curricular fees, and book rentals. Plus the BUS fee of approximately $50.oo, per sport, per student participant imposed on them. This all started when the Franklin Township school board decided they wanted more money than was available and wanted to raise taxes. The referendum was voted down. So, it seems to me their reaction, was an immature…We’ll make you pay one way or the other! Other schools, faced the same cost cutting measures, and most have met the cuts needed without any repercussions. The most penalties, school districts have made is a modest bus fee for sports, and extra curricular activities. But in some areas the business people have donated the money to cover those fees. A pride in their communities. Some schools/sports are putting on charity events to cover these costs. These are public schools using tax payer money. What effect will this have on the community? Will people move away? Will business close due to lack of customers, or workforce. With a drop in enrollment also comes a drop in state funds. The formula is so convoluted, I’m surprised a lawyer can figure it out. But the way it seems to me, a smaller school get less money from the state than a larger school. (Which seems a little unfair). Each day or part thereof missed by a student equals a deduction in the amount received by that school. I’ve rambled on too long. What it appears we have here is a very greedy school system which has little empathy with the well being of the community children and a lust for more money. It would serve them right if everyone moved out of their district, (which I know they either can’t or won’t). I believe it is time for the voters, community leaders, and parents, take back the school system. It seems apparent to me the school board has no concern about their students. Will the harm the children face walking to school in the dark. Or the hardship put on families affect the members. Probably not. The only thing that will affect them is a loss of MONIES. Could this happen to your children? Is your community next? That Is How I See It. have been Post Views: 142