Letter: Give more advice on traffic circles

Based on many years of driving, I conclude that there are two types of traffic circles in this area. The first is dangerous, the second very dangerous.

This is not based on their engineeringbut on the drivers who use them.

Ever since I took my first driving test some 50 years ago, I have been aware of the requirements of how to enter and leave a roundabout. It’s not difficult. First, signal when you enter and second signal when you wish to leave the circle. If you do this, any driver waiting to enter will know when to join you and when you intend to exit.

If you think it’s difficult for residents, look at the thousands of visitors who maneuver the circles. I have seen drivers signal that they were going to turn right or left only to end up in the wrong lane and then stopping in the circle to see what was wrong. Visitors reading a local map is another hazard.

Tourism leaders should provide printed materials for visitors, including a map. Why not include in this welcome package a simple explanation of how to navigate a traffic circle, emphasizing use of turn signals.

As our traffic increases each year, a little friendly advice to any driver reviewing this technique would certainly help both in the area of frustration and, of course, safety.

This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Letter: Give more advice on traffic circles."