Date: Mon, 9 Mar 2009 16:24:54 -0400
From: Judy S. Harrelson
Subject: Signaling in traffic circle
I agree on the concerns for safety at the Pittsboro Traffic Circle. Having grown up in England with roundabouts there basically are 2 rules. 1. Yield to whoever is on the circle – traffic coming from your left and 2. Signal when you are exiting the circle. Then people know which direction you are going.
In the example of coming on 64 from Siler City direction, the driver would know where the traffic coming along 15-501 was headed. If the driver coming from 15-501 wants to turn right onto 64 towards Siler City and signaled “right” then the driver waiting at the yield sign would know they could and SHOULD go safely.
As has been suggested, perhaps having more signs and police monitoring for a while would help educate everyone on how to use the circle safely, as well as slowing down the traffic on the circle.
Speed bumps are expensive, but what about painting large “slow down” signs on the road at all entrances to the circle? Perhaps this would help pedestrians too with crossing the streets around the circle….I love to walk, but it can be a bit scary!
Judy Harrelson