Americans Trying To Use First Roundabout In Town Is Terrifying To Watch

Roundabouts are useful in places that have high traffic. But- one needs to be familiar with them, since navigating them, isn’t always that intuitive. When a construction company in Kentucky built a town’s first roundabout, some people had a hard time, to say the least. Drone footage captured the humorous event.[1]

Before we get on their case too much, let’s remember that many American cities don’t have roundabouts. Unlike the UK and Europe, most American intersections are either traffic light operated or stop signs. Adding something new will only throw drivers a curve ball. In this particular situation, a roundabout was built in Rowan County, Kentucky. Needless to say, many drivers found this new intersection, a little difficult.

A video that was provided by Walker Construction went viral highlighting this roundabout. Many drivers went completely the wrong way, even though flaggers were directing them. Many in the town thought that that old design was working just fine, and there was no need for this new roundabout. Jason Whisman, a frequent driver, mentioned, “Considering the location right where it’s a big lake and everything and a lot of traffic, it was doing just fine. I’ve seen several first-hand accounts that it’s just not going to work out.” The Construction company mentioned that this video was supposed to inform drivers about what not to do on such a road. And they also brought out another video showing them the correct way of driving. 

Roundabout Could Reduce the Number of Crashes in Kentucky

Another driver mentioned, “I’ve seen a number of accidents here in the past. People just don’t pay attention to the stop lights or signs in general. So I think this will do very well, provided people actually read the signs.” And sure, there were signs that highlighted the proper flow of traffic. As it stands, the roundabout is at a crucial junction between routes 60 and 801. These routes are quite important as most boats and campers enter to go to Cave Run Lake. [2]

Want to watch the video? Check it out below:

Some campers had also brought up their concerns about the accessibility to the lake after the completion of the roundabout. Whisman stated, “It’s going to throw them for a loop. A complete 360. No doubt about it.” KYTC then went on to announce that a roundabout was quite important at such heavily frequented junctions. According to them, these would keep traffic flowing- and were also considered to be much safer. And as it stands, a driver was hopeful about this very improvement. “I’m sure that it’s going to take them a while to get used to it, but once they get used to it, I’m sure it’s going to work very well.”

A transport authority then mentioned in a later interview on the matter, “We’re looking at a way to reduce the severity of crashes that this intersection has a history of.” According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data, roundabouts usually reduced the number of crashes by 38%. Interestingly, such roads also cut down on incapacitating and fatal crashes by 90%- assuredly by removing the chance of a T-Bone or a head-on collision. From the perspective of climate awareness, roundabouts are quite green in nature. For, drivers wouldn’t have to stop and start as much when compared to straight roads.