Why doesn't the US make widespread use of roundabouts for cars?

Question

It would speed the flow of traffic, reduce pollution and use less electricity!

Answer 1

I can't speak for the rest of the country, but where I live, drivers can't seem to handle roundabouts (or rotaries, as they're called locally). Drivers who are merging are supposed to give way to drivers already in the rotary, but for the most part, it ends up being a free-for-all. Rotaries in this area have led to more gridlock rather than easing the flow.

I don't think it matters which side of the road you drive on--in the US, our roundabouts go to the right, because we drive on the right side of the road. In other countryes where you drive on the left, the roundabouts go left.

Maybe it's more a matter of how common they are. They're few and far between around here. If, OTOH, every intersection was a rotary, I think people would get the hang of driving them correctly a lot quicker.

Answer 2

I don't particularly like roundabouts, which we call "traffic circles" in the US. They are often confusing and really slow down traffic. With our interstate highway system, we are more used to good highway entrances and exits, which are much more efficient and safe than traffic circles.

Answer 3

Roundabouts stink...Who pays for the maintenance of the dead zone in the middle of the circle?

Answer 4

good question. they are really efficient and work great. They are very popular in the DC, Maryland, and NJ area. We are starting to get a bunch down here in NC. I think it is a great assett.

Answer 5

Because we drive on the right hand side old man.

Answer 6

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