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xkcd #2842: Inspiraling Roundabout
(imgs.xkcd.com)
Alt text:
Look, I just think we need to stop coddling those hedonistic roundabout hogs who get into the inner lane and circle for hours, wasting valuable capacity.
First time I have to disagree with xkcd. It's very much not navigable, with exception of turning right.
Going left or back is impossible as you will be facing counterflow and not able to turn in tight spaces.
You can't go back the wrong way, you have to change lanes or you reach a dead end. No left, only right.
It's kinda funny how these comments are proving Randall's point, that people don't know to lane-shift in roundabouts.
You shouldn't have to lane shift in roundabouts. On a well designed multi lane roundabout you choose your lane before you get there and simply follow it to the exit. The only reason to change lanes is if you screwed up.
If the consumer can't use the product, it's a bad product. I've had teachers who knew their subject, but couldn't convey the knowledge; they were bad teachers. If people can't handle roundabouts, it's the traffic department's fault.
It's a chicken and egg problem. Roundabouts are well-liked by those used to them, and despised by those who aren't. A product isn't bad because it's an acquired taste, and there's no solution that doesn't involve trying it until you get it.
"despised by those who aren't" is kinda really fucking funny to me because i cannot think of any country but the USA where roundabouts aren't bog standard and being angry at one is like being angry at a T-intersection
They're everywhere here in Massachusetts, but I don't think I've ever seen one outside of New England
My opinion is that most traffic departments in the US rely on outdated rules for placing signs. There's one I use on a regular basis and unless you've been through it a few times it's almost impossible to figure out when to turn.
Do people despise roundabouts? The only complaints I've ever heard are from property owners who don't want to cede the additional land required. But I'm not an expert on the subject.
That's like saying modern technology is bad because some tribesman from the amazon can't figure them out. It's just lack of education. Countries all over the world use roundabouts with no issues.
And yes, that makes American drivers the clueless tribesman in this analogy.
No, it's like saying expecting a tribesman to use a computer is crazy.
I'm American and I've used roundabouts. Plenty of them have poorly placed signs that confuse people.
The lines are dotted. You can cross dotted lines. If you do cross a dotted line, please check your mirrors, or you might run into the point of the comic.
i think it should spiral outwards instead, that way if you need to take the third exit, you switch to the third lane and simply follow it to your exit
Agreed. If you're in the outside lane you must exit.