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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 07:27:55 AM

Title: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 07:27:55 AM
This weekend in CT, I encountered three rotaries. That's two more than I usually do. I think they are better than intersections in literally every way. Why are these not a thing everywhere? There's no stopping, and you can safely blow through them at 40mph.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: El Barto on September 08, 2015, 08:17:55 AM
Learning curve
Pedestrian access
Larger footprint

I think the learning curve is the biggest issue, myself. Those things are nearly unheard of way down here, and you throw one of them up and we'll be crashing into each other all over the place. Once everybody gets the hang of it it probably is an improvement in many ways, but the early deployment would really cause a lot of problems.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 08:28:45 AM
I can see how in cities space could be an issue if the intersection has already been built traditionally.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 08, 2015, 08:30:52 AM
They are pretty common in the outlying cities in St. Louis. I can think of a good (10) locations where they are around here. I like them as well, it takes a really good effort on someone's part NOT to understand what's going on there.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Stadler on September 08, 2015, 08:33:37 AM
I'm with Chino; they are awesome.  But you only need one moron to screw up the entire program.   
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Scorpion on September 08, 2015, 08:46:18 AM
I'm afraid I don't know the term - what's a rotary?
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 08, 2015, 08:48:56 AM
I think it's what we call "Kreisverkehr"
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Kotowboy on September 08, 2015, 08:54:59 AM
It's what most people call a "Roundabout"  :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: ich bin besser on September 08, 2015, 08:55:28 AM
Very efficient - even more when people would use the indicator when leaving it.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 08:56:29 AM
Get out of here with all your foreigny words!

(https://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/fun107.com/files/2013/07/1461426560_f1059baeb8_z-630x472.jpg)
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Big Hath on September 08, 2015, 08:56:51 AM
roundabout, rotary, traffic circle, etc
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Kotowboy on September 08, 2015, 10:14:45 AM
TRAFFIC CIRCLE :P

It's funny hearing an american sat nav go " Take the first exit on the 'RODAREE' " :lol
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Stadler on September 08, 2015, 10:14:52 AM
I think it's what we call "Kreisverkehr"

No one calls it that.  No one. 
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TioJorge on September 08, 2015, 10:48:46 AM
Man, I don't know any of those terms and have no idea what this is.  :lol

But with how people drive where I am, I'm really glad I don't know because everyone driving in them would be dead. Because people around here like to think that when cars smash together they softly caress one another and make tiny little baby cars after the ever so gentle collision.

Apparently.

But I just looked it up and yeah, fuck that. I mean, awesome! But...for where I live...fuck that.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: ich bin besser on September 08, 2015, 11:39:45 AM
https://www.wimp.com/testroundabout/
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 11:43:32 AM
I can't watch that at the moment, what'd they find?
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: cramx3 on September 08, 2015, 11:53:16 AM
Only ever heard them called Roundabouts and I personally dislike them.  Yes it does help with traffic flow, assuming people aren't idiots, but that is a poor assumption and leads to my dislike to them in general.  They are more popular in Europe and I only know of one in NJ (which is fairly large, but always seems to confuse people).  NJ is also probably the worst place to use this (or best depending on how you feel) since you cannot even make left turns at intersections  :lol
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TioJorge on September 08, 2015, 12:09:29 PM
I stopped watching at the 8 minute mark because it's a moot point. For this to be a realistic scenario (for Chino's question, that is), you need realistic circumstances. First off, a few hundred individual drivers (hell, even then, that's a pretty small amount), not the handful that they have; you also need real-world circumstances...new drivers, dipshit people who drive while talking, texting, inebriated, children in the back screaming at each other and pooping all over the place, your wife giving you road-head (or prostitute, of course, duh), etc.

If this were implemented in the US, despite every opportunity to learn the ways of the roundabout, there'd be people driving up to it freaking out because they didn't learn and/or weren't taught properly. I mean hell, I encounter people every single day that still do not get a four-way stop; zero exaggeration there. The four-way stop has been a thing since most drivers who aren't wrinkled up and blind were born and people still can't keep their shit together. Keep in mind...I'm in Texas.

I get it for their 'myth-busing' purpose, but for your question, Chino...it's kind of useless and doesn't answer the question properly even a little. In my opinion, the true answer is: Cause 'murica. We have to do shit different just for the sake of doing so for almost every aspect of our society, it seems...even if it's undeniably worse.

(YES, I AM A TRUE PATRIOT)  :lol
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: El Barto on September 08, 2015, 12:10:12 PM
I can't watch that at the moment, what'd they find?
Roundabout was about 30% more efficient. They used a simple, single lane version. I'd be curious to know what happens in a more complex, multi-lane roundabout. I'd also be curious how it compared to a properly controlled intersection with decent light timings (including flashing yellows).
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 12:22:05 PM
I can't watch that at the moment, what'd they find?
Roundabout was about 30% more efficient. They used a simple, single lane version. I'd be curious to know what happens in a more complex, multi-lane roundabout. I'd also be curious how it compared to a properly controlled intersection with decent light timings (including flashing yellows).

Did they mention anything about fuel? I bet rotaries save thousands of gallons a year.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: El Barto on September 08, 2015, 01:08:17 PM
I can't watch that at the moment, what'd they find?
Roundabout was about 30% more efficient. They used a simple, single lane version. I'd be curious to know what happens in a more complex, multi-lane roundabout. I'd also be curious how it compared to a properly controlled intersection with decent light timings (including flashing yellows).

Did they mention anything about fuel? I bet rotaries save thousands of gallons a year.
Not sure if that'd be the case or not. Idling uses very little fuel. Accelerating does, though, and the roundabout still requires a near stop and acceleration back to speed. Probably an improvement, but not necessarily a huge one. Moreover, I'm still thinking that better traffic management through signalling would make a huge difference. That might be one of the instances where we really could use Skynet.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 01:49:54 PM
Found this.

https://www.carmel.in.gov//index.aspx?page=123

Quote
In Carmel, where roundabouts have replaced signals or stop signs at intersections, the number of injury accidents has been reduced by about 80 percent and the number of accidents overall by about 40 percent. Our numbers are similar to those reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: SystematicThought on September 08, 2015, 04:52:13 PM
I'm all for roundabouts in place of four way stops. No one knows what to do at a four way stop or they'll go just as you're about to go. There's bound to be issues with roundabouts, but I think they are way easier to understand then four way stops.

Anyone else slow down at four way stops when they see another car coming at the other corner or speed up depending on how far away they are?
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TAC on September 08, 2015, 05:26:11 PM
Get out of here with all your foreigny words!

(https://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/fun107.com/files/2013/07/1461426560_f1059baeb8_z-630x472.jpg)

Drove through that very rotary for 5 1/2 years on my way to work!
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: cramx3 on September 08, 2015, 05:51:30 PM
Anyone else slow down at four way stops when they see another car coming at the other corner or speed up depending on how far away they are?

uh what?  Four way stop means you stop, so I don't care about anyone else I go my own speed until the intersection and then stop. Then right of way takes rule.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Fiery Winds on September 08, 2015, 07:04:07 PM
Anyone else slow down at four way stops when they see another car coming at the other corner or speed up depending on how far away they are?

uh what?  Four way stop means you stop, so I don't care about anyone else I go my own speed until the intersection and then stop. Then right of way takes rule.


I think he means adjusting your speed to not arrive at the same time, avoiding the game of semaphore to decide who wants to be the more considerate driver.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: SystematicThought on September 08, 2015, 07:12:02 PM
Yeah, that's what I meant. I apologize, I should have been more clear.

I just hate playing that game because even if they have the right of way, they don't always realize that and then it gets messy sometimes
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Calvin6s on September 08, 2015, 07:28:40 PM
I think he means adjusting your speed to not arrive at the same time, avoiding the game of semaphore to decide who wants to be the more considerate driver.
They already have rules for that though.  Although it appears some don't seem to get it.  It is more about being overly courteous or overly jerky when the real problems happen.

There is a roundabout that I pass through about 1 to 3x a year on average.  It is dual lane, so that adds to the confusion considering roundabouts are already highly uncommon.  It seems to work great until their is heavy traffic.  Then it is a nightmare.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: El Barto on September 08, 2015, 07:30:45 PM
Anyone else slow down at four way stops when they see another car coming at the other corner or speed up depending on how far away they are?

uh what?  Four way stop means you stop, so I don't care about anyone else I go my own speed until the intersection and then stop. Then right of way takes rule.


I think he means adjusting your speed to not arrive at the same time, avoiding the game of semaphore to decide who wants to be the more considerate driver.
Yeah, I'm pretty proactive about that. The problem is that if you try to be last, no matter how slowly you keep rolling some people are just terrified that you're going to plow through the intersection and t-bone them at 4 mph. Some people just won't go until there's no movement anywhere within a 4 block radius.

They already have rules for that though.  Although it appears some don't seem to get it.  It is more about being overly courteous or overly jerky when the real problems happen.
Rules don't cover everything, and nobody seems to agree on them anyway. Four way stops are an instance where coordinated social order is more important than the state vehicle code.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Chino on September 08, 2015, 07:40:36 PM
Get out of here with all your foreigny words!

(https://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/fun107.com/files/2013/07/1461426560_f1059baeb8_z-630x472.jpg)

Drove through that very rotary for 5 1/2 years on my way to work!

It's one of my favorites. It's huge.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TioJorge on September 08, 2015, 07:50:07 PM
Slut.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Dr. DTVT on September 08, 2015, 08:01:39 PM
Roundabouts work great for some intersections, but if it is a low traffic density intersection, 2 way or 4 way stop signs are usually sufficient.  Barto nailed the cons of roundabouts pretty well, with size being the big one.

They are great for high density, low speed intersections though.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Calvin6s on September 08, 2015, 09:22:08 PM
They already have rules for that though.  Although it appears some don't seem to get it.  It is more about being overly courteous or overly jerky when the real problems happen.
Rules don't cover everything, and nobody seems to agree on them anyway. Four way stops are an instance where coordinated social order is more important than the state vehicle code.

At an intersection controlled by stop signs in all directions, you must yield the right-of-way to…

•Another vehicle that has already come to a full stop at the intersection

A vehicle on your immediate right that has stopped at the intersection at the same time as you. Confusion can develop at four-way stop intersections.

-You should try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles at the intersection to better judge their intentions and avoid accidents.


Read More: The Rules of a Four-Way Stop Intersection | https://fun107.com/the-rules-of-a-four-way-stop-intersection/?trackback=tsmclip

The confusion only comes from those that don't know the rules, not the rule itself.  It is clear.  And with so few rules for that instance, there is no excuse to not know them.

And it mostly comes down to confusion and jerks, but not the rules.  And the 4mph t-bone is legitimate.  Accidents are a pain in the ass even on small scales.  It could mean not having your car for 1 to 7 days.   I avoided the lowest speed side swipe collision possible just a couple months ago.  Slow as in it took 30 minutes to drive a 1/4 mile.  Jerks gonna be jerks.  Has nothing to do with the rules being unclear.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TioJorge on September 08, 2015, 10:09:59 PM
pooper-scoopers are fun.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Nick on September 08, 2015, 10:21:15 PM
For suburban to rural areas, I'm fine with roundabouts.

For anything urban or busy I wish them to die a fiery death. My area just last week had a PENNdot assessment to suggest 20-30 roundabout spots (they are unheard of here, right now), and I am not looking forward to them being implemented.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on September 08, 2015, 10:27:19 PM
Called "Traffic Circles" in California.  They're great, until one idiot without common sense turns it into a goat f%^k.  :lol
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 09, 2015, 12:49:31 AM
I think it's what we call "Kreisverkehr"

No one calls it that.  No one.

Well, there's at least 80 million germans and problably some austrians and swiss people that call it that.  ;)

And I remember some 20 to 25 years ago when the first roundabouts/rotaries/whatever were introduced in Germany, people had the same reservations and complaints like most have in this thread. Let me tell you, no one wants to have their intersection back once they have learned the advantages of a roundabout.

And the argument that it doesn't work because of dumb people is invalid because dumb people fuck up every traffic situation, it's because they are dumb.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: PuffyPat on September 09, 2015, 01:01:28 AM
was one of those was the salem four corners one?
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Zook on September 09, 2015, 01:26:51 AM
The roundabout at Clearwater Beach is a fucking disaster.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: El Barto on September 09, 2015, 10:52:11 AM
They already have rules for that though.  Although it appears some don't seem to get it.  It is more about being overly courteous or overly jerky when the real problems happen.
Rules don't cover everything, and nobody seems to agree on them anyway. Four way stops are an instance where coordinated social order is more important than the state vehicle code.

At an intersection controlled by stop signs in all directions, you must yield the right-of-way to…

•Another vehicle that has already come to a full stop at the intersection

A vehicle on your immediate right that has stopped at the intersection at the same time as you. Confusion can develop at four-way stop intersections.

-You should try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles at the intersection to better judge their intentions and avoid accidents.
If you put it to a vote on this forum you'll get a pretty huge debate about which car constitutes the car on the right (strange but true). Moreover, nobody seems to know which rule applies first, so some people will be working the vehicle to the right angle and others will be going by who stopped first. That's why "-You should try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles at the intersection to better judge their intentions and avoid accidents" is the important part and the gist of my "social order" remark. Strict following of your interpretation of the rules is nowhere near as important as being attentive to what everybody else is doing.

Sadly, your opinion that the rules are brief and simple enough that there's no excuse for not knowing them doesn't mean dick in the grand scheme of things.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TioJorge on September 09, 2015, 10:59:55 AM
Sometimes I want to marry you, Barto. And now we can. Let's do it.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: bout to crash on September 09, 2015, 11:07:22 AM
No, fuck those things. Mostly because of what Barto said. People don't know what the fuck they're doing and are constantly pulling idiot moves.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: cramx3 on September 09, 2015, 11:11:46 AM
They already have rules for that though.  Although it appears some don't seem to get it.  It is more about being overly courteous or overly jerky when the real problems happen.
Rules don't cover everything, and nobody seems to agree on them anyway. Four way stops are an instance where coordinated social order is more important than the state vehicle code.

At an intersection controlled by stop signs in all directions, you must yield the right-of-way to…

•Another vehicle that has already come to a full stop at the intersection

A vehicle on your immediate right that has stopped at the intersection at the same time as you. Confusion can develop at four-way stop intersections.

-You should try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles at the intersection to better judge their intentions and avoid accidents.
If you put it to a vote on this forum you'll get a pretty huge debate about which car constitutes the car on the right (strange but true). Moreover, nobody seems to know which rule applies first, so some people will be working the vehicle to the right angle and others will be going by who stopped first. That's why "-You should try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles at the intersection to better judge their intentions and avoid accidents" is the important part and the gist of my "social order" remark. Strict following of your interpretation of the rules is nowhere near as important as being attentive to what everybody else is doing.

Sadly, your opinion that the rules are brief and simple enough that there's no excuse for not knowing them doesn't mean dick in the grand scheme of things.

It's funny that you mention this and made me remember something that came up on my written driver's exam when I got my license.  There was a question that said "What is the best way to communicate with another driver?"  I forget the answers listed, but one was honk your horn, another was make a gesture to get eye contact.  I chose honk your horn which was the "wrong" answer, but upon further review they gave me the credit for that question.  There is no flat out answer with regards to human interaction between vehicles while driving because you are correct, driving conditions and "rules" sometimes can and need to be changed due to driving conditions and the people surrounding you.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Stadler on September 09, 2015, 12:21:42 PM
I think it's what we call "Kreisverkehr"

No one calls it that.  No one.

Well, there's at least 80 million germans and problably some austrians and swiss people that call it that.  ;)

And I remember some 20 to 25 years ago when the first roundabouts/rotaries/whatever were introduced in Germany, people had the same reservations and complaints like most have in this thread. Let me tell you, no one wants to have their intersection back once they have learned the advantages of a roundabout.

And the argument that it doesn't work because of dumb people is invalid because dumb people fuck up every traffic situation, it's because they are dumb.

I am part Austrian (1/4 on my Mom's side), so I understand.  It was more a joke at the expense of the word itself.  If I offended, I apologize.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Stadler on September 09, 2015, 12:23:32 PM
How are you supposed to make eye contact when you have to adjust your radio and text your buds to order that beer for you, because you'll be there in ten?  Rules have to be realistic, after all.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: El Barto on September 09, 2015, 12:29:10 PM
Sometimes I want to marry you, Barto. And now we can. Let's do it.
Not until all white, heterosexual, long-haired, long-bearded, atheist, libertarian, Maiden and Patriot fans can marry. We can dream, though.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: King Postwhore on September 09, 2015, 02:56:12 PM
Sometimes I want to marry you, Barto. And now we can. Let's do it.
Not until all white, heterosexual, long-haired, long-bearded, atheist, libertarian, Maiden and Patriot fans can marry. We can dream, though.

Man a lot of people hate you in America. :lol
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TAC on September 09, 2015, 02:58:41 PM
I thought Joe was going to ask for a 3 way!
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: King Postwhore on September 09, 2015, 03:07:37 PM
I do have that charisma.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: TAC on September 09, 2015, 04:01:50 PM
I do have that charisma.

What is maaaa
Charismaaaaaa
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: jammindude on September 09, 2015, 04:15:12 PM
The only problem is the people who stop at them.    They see that "yield" sign and they think that you can't enter the circle until it's empty.   Freakin MORONS.     I actually had someone get really ticked off at me when I slipped in between two cars (exactly what you're supposed to do at a roundabout) without stopping.   

Even my kids driving instructor was teaching the entire class to treat it like the gears of a wheel.    You slide in between the "cogs"....   But I honestly don't think most people are ever going to get it.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 09, 2015, 04:19:52 PM
I love the roundabouts I have encountered.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Kwyjibo on September 10, 2015, 12:18:45 AM
I am part Austrian (1/4 on my Mom's side), so I understand.  It was more a joke at the expense of the word itself.  If I offended, I apologize.

No problem here, my answer wasn't meant to be that serious either.  ;)

Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: JayOctavarium on September 10, 2015, 12:38:56 AM
I love roundabouts. We have 2 of them on my property at work (ok.. just off the property but they are both visible on our CCTV system. What I have found though is that people are morons who do not understand the concept. I have seen countless close calls... a lot of them would have been head on collisions.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: jonnybaxy on September 10, 2015, 06:43:50 AM
From England.


Many Roundabouts.


Roundabouts = good.


/thread
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: orcus116 on September 12, 2015, 06:44:36 PM
The only problem is the people who stop at them.    They see that "yield" sign and they think that you can't enter the circle until it's empty.   Freakin MORONS.     I actually had someone get really ticked off at me when I slipped in between two cars (exactly what you're supposed to do at a roundabout) without stopping.   

Even my kids driving instructor was teaching the entire class to treat it like the gears of a wheel.    You slide in between the "cogs"....   But I honestly don't think most people are ever going to get it.

I never do that because my philosophy while driving is "everyone else is a bad driver and isn't paying attention". I've overly cautious but within reason mainly because I do not trust anyone on the road.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Calvin6s on September 12, 2015, 06:56:32 PM
I never do that because my philosophy while driving is "everyone else is a bad driver and isn't paying attention". I've overly cautious but within reason mainly because I do not trust anyone on the road.
Defensive driving.  I figured that was the suggestion for every single driving rule as taught when I was getting my driver's license. 
It doesn't negate any rule nor make any rule less clear.  Seems like that might not be the case.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: Elite on September 13, 2015, 11:58:23 PM
The Netherlands is full of them, especially on large intersection in big cities and in rural areas.
Title: Re: Why is every intersection not a rotary?
Post by: cramx3 on September 14, 2015, 06:44:49 AM
Went through the roundabout in Dupont Circle in Washington DC this weekend, man was that a shit show of no one knowing where to go.  Granted that is a larger roundabout with more than 4 exits

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dupont+Circle,+Washington,+DC/@38.9096044,-77.0433941,308m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x89b7b7c5d741b8af:0x2ebd3e79025f91b2!6m1!1e1 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dupont+Circle,+Washington,+DC/@38.9096044,-77.0433941,308m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x89b7b7c5d741b8af:0x2ebd3e79025f91b2!6m1!1e1)