Let’s pilot slower speeds, better signage before changing Sea Pines Traffic Circle | Opinion

Slow down circle speed

The Town of Hilton Head has identified the need to improve the efficiency of the Sea Pines Traffic Circle.

The Circle to Circle committee appears to be supporting a two-lane approach to solve the problem.

There may be simpler and less expensive solutions: Reduce traffic speed at the circle, improve signage and recognize that a single-lane circle is safer than a dual-lane circle.

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation Federal Highway Administration recommends a speed limit of 15-25 mph for vehicles entering and traveling in traffic circles, noting that going slower provides more time to make decisions and be prepared to yield to other users.

The S.C. Dept. of Transportation recommends that the speed limit when entering and traveling a traffic circle be not more than 15-25 mph, with a preference for 15-20 mph.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommends 15-20 mph.

The speed limit at the Sea Pines Circle is 35 mph, almost twice the speed recommended by the S.C. Dept. of Transportation.

High speed is the root cause of the failure of the Sea Pines Circle.

We should lower the speed limit approaching the circle to 25 mph, and then to 15 mph when you are about to enter, and while you are in the circle.

How will slowing traffic increase efficiency?

Slowing traffic allows vehicles to enter more smoothly, and entering traffic will not be afraid of “accelerating” vehicles.

We also should include prominent signage and pavement markings to further reduce traffic speed as vehicles approach the circle, including flashing speed limit signs. And we should keep in mind that a single-lane circle will be safer for pedestrians, cyclists and the significant older population that lives on Hilton Head.

It will be simple and inexpensive to at least pilot this approach.

Will it work? According to all of the research on traffic circles, it should.

Let’s find out.

Rex Gale, Hilton Head

‘Outrageous idea’

No one likes the idea of taking a life. It is often a painful, heart wrenching decision that, ideally, is made between a husband, wife and doctor.

Unfortunately, some people become unwillingly impregnated or unknowingly pregnant. Some have little access to birth control.

You say “What are we to do to stop abortion?” How about penalizing the men who do the impregnating?

How about arresting those who don’t marry the woman and support her and his child?

How about considering educating the males (and females) in our society about birth control?

If you start holding men accountable, perhaps you won’t consider the outrageous idea of putting women to death.

Diane Lacey, Hilton Head

Timely solution?

Once or twice, every year there is a big wah-wah about the time change.

In the past, someone suggested shifting the time one half hour, permanently.

What is wrong with that solution?

Wayne Wicker, Beaufort

Disappointed by Mace

Just saw our congresswoman Nancy Mace on CNN

What a colossal disappointment.

She never answered a question, never voiced an opinion on anything.

I just wonder why she’s in Congress other than her party affiliation.

Frankly we deserve better.

Peter Trager, Hilton Head

Trim jobs, reduce debt

I worked in corporate life for over 45 years. About every three to five years, and if we forecasted less profits than the previous year, all department heads were asked to cut 10% from their expense budget.

Since 70% of most corporate budgets are represented by people (headcount), this is always the place you go to reduce expenses.

Our current feckless Congress continues to try to reduce or eliminate time-aged programs (i.e., welfare, Social Security, Medicare, etc.).

Why not do what companies do? Reduce headcount by 10% across all departments (ex., clerical, administrative assistants, mailroom clerks, etc.).

Can you imagine how many of these positions work in the White House alone? Now add the Pentagon, Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, the Post Office and the various military branches.

Did you know our government employs more than 2 million people?

Imagine if you cut headcount by10%? This would take a huge bite out of our national debt.

And here’s something to ponder: Isn’t it time our government starts acting like a corporation?

Jeff Harlow, Bluffton