Britain conquers the USA, in a roundabout way...

[Gob]

A roundabout revolution is slowly sweeping the US.

The land of the car, where the stop sign and traffic light have ruled for decades, has started to embrace the free-flowing British circular.

A few moments after entering Carmel, it's clear why the city has been described as the Milton Keynes of the US.

As the sat-nav loudly and regularly points out, there's often a roundabout up ahead.

But unlike in the English town famous for them, driving into this pretty city on the outskirts of Indianapolis also involves passing several more under construction.

The city is at the forefront of a dizzying expansion, across several American states, of the circular traffic intersection redesigned in 1960s Britain and then exported globally. About 3,000 have been built in the US in the last 20 years.

The Mayor of Carmel, Jim Brainard, has become America's evangelist-in-chief on the matter, demolishing 78 sets of traffic lights and replacing them with those round islands so familiar to drivers in the UK. Four more will be finished in the coming months.

"We have more than any other city in the US," he says, standing proudly in front of one. "It's a trend now in the United States. There are more and more roundabouts being built every day because of the expense saved and more importantly the safety."

He quotes a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety which suggests there is on average a 40% decrease in all accidents and a 90% drop in fatal ones when a traffic intersection is replaced by a roundabout.

The long-term financial saving is about £150,000, he says, due to reduced maintenance costs, and there are also fuel savings.

"Not just the cars that aren't idling at traffic lights, but starting from a dead stop takes up more fuel also, so we are saving thousands of gallons of fuel per roundabout per year," says the Republican mayor.

"And aesthetically, we think they're much nicer. If one is looking out their living room window, would you prefer to see a blinking traffic light all night or a beautifully landscaped roundabout with a fountain and flowers?"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13863498

[Crackpot]

They work great when people know how to use them. However.... most of the time it's terrifying.

[Gob]

Having learned to drive, and having them as part of the practical and knowledge tests for my licenses, I cannot imagine what it would be like to be suddenly confronted with one.

[Crackpot]

"Right of Way" rules Just don't sink in with many american drivers. Now imagine an intersection solely governed by them...

[Gob]

Oh ouch, not fun..

We were in Melbourne once, being driven by Hen's aunt. She did the opposite. She stopped half way round the roundabout and flagged people on!! I damn near cacked my pants.

[Crackpot]

those are the most dangerous

[The Hen]

Aye. 80 year olds should be tested annually to retain their licence.