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Give roundabouts a chance

For many of us, it is hard to believe that there exists a new, simple concept, which would be safer, more efficient and more cost-effective than an old familiar one to which we have all become very accustomed over the years. The very idea of changing something as standard as the way traffic flow is controlled, for example, would seem bothersome, unnecessary, and even to some of us, a move that would be more trouble than it would be worth.

When it comes to managing population growth, this skepticism, unfortunately, can ultimately stifle a shift toward the implementation of better ways of accommodating things like more traffic on our road. Such is the case with the suggestion of building modern roundabouts in our community.

Roundabouts, unlike the old traffic circles that are understandably feared by many motorists, are one-way intersections, round in shape, which foster a counterclockwise traffic flow. Entering traffic must yield to vehicles already traveling in the roundabout; there is no high-speed merging required as there is in traffic circles. Unlike traditional intersections, there is no risk of distracted drivers running red lights or failing to yield to turning vehicles.

Until I really learned the positive nature of roundabouts, I was admittedly doubtful myself. How, I contended, could something that made it seem as if I was driving through a revolving door, not knowing where I'd come out, upon initial negotiation, actually be safer than the traditional traffic signal intersections we typically encounter on the highway?

Yet, the facts speak for themselves. Consider this. A traditional traffic light intersection allows for 32 potential points of conflict — that is, opportunities for collision between vehicles. Compare that to the eight points of conflict that are possible in a roundabout, and it's no contest which one is the safer choice. What's more, according to PA Township News, modern roundabouts have proven to reduce the occurrence of fatal accidents by a whopping 90 percent, and collisions resulting in injuries by 75 percent. If those facts don't convince you, there's more.

Since traffic began flowing through the roundabout at Route 82 and Doe Run Road in East Marlborough Township — an intersection historically notable for its high frequency of vehicle collisions — in August of 2005, there have been no reportable accidents at that location! That roundabout was recognized by the Pennsylvania State Association of Townships in 2006 with the annual Bridge Safety Improvement Award.

Furthermore, evidence exists proving that compared with traditional signalized intersections, roundabouts are safer for pedestrians to cross, less expensive to build when planned as new construction projects, cheaper to maintain and operate over time, more aesthetically appealing and therefore conducive to prospering businesses, and cause less opportunities for emissions from vehicles traveling through them.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, presently, there are only two roundabouts in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania — the one in East Marlborough, and one in Bucks County. Plans exist in some communities for the construction of roundabouts in the near future — by 2010; one will be in the works in London Grove Township where Route 41 meets Baltimore Pike. Perhaps as the public becomes more aware of the positive aspects of these alternatives to signalized intersections, more municipalities will decide to implement them, and our roads will ultimately become safer for all of us.

The next time you find yourself traveling along Route 82 in East Marlborough, take notice of the efficient qualities and safe components of the modern roundabout as you drive through it — and remember, sometimes, change is good.