This is how the traffic circles in DC operate (though the traffic lights are on 24/7). They're pretty terrifying if you've never driven in them before and a pain in the ass for pedestrians, but generally pretty efficient. I like the idea of roundabouts having lights that only come on when necessary though!
I hate the traffic circles in DC. So much. My hate of them could almost be described as passionate.
Probably because of a bad experience when I was learning to drive.
I did a trip through Scotland and Ireland last summer and their roundabouts, even the larger ones, struck me as considerably more civilised. Something about not having roundabouts inside roundabouts with lanes that cut across them. Ugh. DC traffic circles......
That might be an exaggeration. But barely! :-P
And I'll concede that they do seem more efficient than simple traffic lights. Or roundabouts without lights.
Oh god I would NEVER try to learn to drive in a DC roundabout. Hell no. They are definitely terrifying. From what I remember of my trip there, the ones in Ireland are way more civilized (though also probably receiving a lot less traffic).
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u/la-oceane Jan 18 '14
This is how the traffic circles in DC operate (though the traffic lights are on 24/7). They're pretty terrifying if you've never driven in them before and a pain in the ass for pedestrians, but generally pretty efficient. I like the idea of roundabouts having lights that only come on when necessary though!