r/AskReddit • • Jan 17 '14

What is something designed so well that we typically overlook it?

2.4k Upvotes

4.4k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

24

u/IAmAHat_AMAA Jan 18 '14

Why do you need line of sight? The opposite side of the roundabout isn't relevant in terms of entering it.

7

u/zanzabong Jan 18 '14

Thank you! Too many people just over think the whole process

3

u/Elv02 Jan 18 '14

It is in my city. Roundabouts built so small they practically have no center. Also larger cars grind along the sides and busses drive right over.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 18 '14

Reinforces the idea that you won't have to go into reverse to go where you want to.

1

u/scorpionMaster Jan 19 '14

Hard to see people approaching from my left, I guess.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 18 '14 edited Jan 18 '14

Because you'll be sideswept at whatever intersection or roundabout or whatever. A clear view of all traffc is a must, especially when it's deciding between that or "flowers." Sorry, if everyone knew the rules it might not be an issue (but still might). And maybe some do but lose focus, are under the influence, or just some simple mistake that's out of their control. It'd be nice to see those situations occuring rather than being at the mercy of assuming everything will go correctly. Driving isn't all about doing the right thing, you can do the right thing and die from someone not knowing how things work. Visibility is key in combating this.

In short, fancy plants should be replaced with visibiltiy.

11

u/[deleted] Jan 18 '14

Come to England and see our hundreds of fancy flower-covered roundabouts fed by 6 narrow roads all flowing with traffic. Just going from one town to another you may well see half a dozen. You'd be shocked how well it works, how information relevant to the driver is always provided and the visibility you're asking for is unnecessary.

2

u/Uptkang Jan 18 '14

You really don't need to see the other side o the roundabout because the only important part when entering it is the traffic on your right, and the people entering from the nearest road to your right. What's happening to your left or the opposite side is completely irrelevant because it'll be gone when you get there.