Making a case for roundabouts [Daily Record, The (Wooster, OH)]

Editor:

There have been articles in The Daily Record about the proposed traffic circle at Smithville Western and state Route 83. Each focused on the traffic safety advantages over traffic signal intersections. One pointed out that fewer accidents occur at traffic circles and when they do, they are less severe. This reduces injuries, damages and insurance costs.

While safety is the most important advantage, there are others. Traffic circles are such more efficient than traditional intersections. Because all traffic tends to keep moving, time isn't spent waiting at a red light or for someone making a left turn to clear the intersection. Drivers can reach their destinations sooner.

In addition to time, motorists can save money because fuel isn't being used waiting for traffic signals to change.

Because there are no signals, traffic circles aren't effected by power outages.

They have a long history of use and are very common in parts of Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, where the are used in new construction. Roundabouts are commonly found at the end of exit ramps on modern motorways.

Roundabouts are a good thing.

Fred Bowen

Shreve