T7_4ever

I wish they would not hand out driver's licenses if drivers can't learn how to use a bloody roundabout!! I am very thankful that nobody was hurt, especially my wife and 2 kids. The lone driver was OK as well, and she confessed that she is confused on how to navigate these new roundabouts they've been installing instead of traffic lights. I really didn't need this to happen before I head out of town for 1 week for business. Oh well, that's why they have car insurance. Cheers! T7

Scenario:

Both of our cars were stopped/yielding for traffic from our left to clear. She was in the inside lane ( 1 option for her = go straight) and I was on the outside lane (2 options for me: 1= go straight. 2 = make a right.) When traffic was clear we both proceeded, but she decided to go right!! And smacked into my front drivers side 1/4 panel. We exchanged drivers license info (took photos) and photos of our insurance policies ( I noticed hers was expired? ). In Ontario we have no-fault insurance.

T7_4ever

Have to zip over to a collision reporting centre on Sunday morning, due to them closing at 5pm on saturday. There the police will take a report and we can provide that report number to my insurance company.

Kitty Hawk 1903

I'm glad no injuries. We have one a block from our house. Lot's of people are still totally confused how they work. It's the same on the West Coast as it is in the GTA.

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David

N. Eberhard

Good to hear that nobody was injured!

One lane roundabouts are way more safe than the usual 4 way intersection. The two lane versions can get dicey, but there is always a percentage of drivers who shouldn't be on the road at all for whatever reason.

plane737

We had roundabouts on Key Biscayne 'Miami' where I grew up, so I know how to use them. Here in Kentucky, they put one on Viley Rd and Frankfort Pike by the Airport. Watching these inbred hicks trying to use a roundabout is similar to watching a monkey having coitus with a football! Glad everyone is ok.

tomcatter

never ever let her loose in blighty, mate. it's the land of the merry-go-round

A Tupolev

I drove all over southern Germany and France on vacation last year. Lots of roundabouts. I really like them vs. the traditional intersection. The drivers in Europe are well trained to use them. Good to hear no one was hurt.

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tomcatter

you call that a lot? try driving in old blighty mate...

T7_4ever

Here are some alarming accident stats on these Tri-city roundabouts! Seems like a major problem with drivers.

86 crashes in first 17 months: Collisions soar at new Cambridge roundabout

T7_4ever

Kitchener roundabout the worst, Cambridge has second worst
Fountain and Kossuth traffic circle had 32 collisions in 2012, putting it No. 2 on list of dangerous roundabouts

Cambridge Times
By Melissa Murray, For the Times
WATERLOO REGION – No matter how you look at it, there’s one intersection in Waterloo Region that isn’t working.

And it has earned the top spot on the region’s most dangerous roundabout list for the third year in a row.

Kitchener’s Homer Watson Boulevard and Block Line Road roundabout had 72 observed collisions in 2013, more than any other region roundabout.

That is more crashes than when it was a signalized intersection and 50 crashes more than estimated, according to Bob Henderson, the region’s manager of transportation engineering.

In the 2012 collision report, 53 crashes were recorded at the roundabout.

According to Phil Bauer, the region’s acting director of transportation, a number of changes and improvements have been made to the intersection, but they aren’t decreasing the number of crashes.

To date, the region has decreased speed limits, included more painted lines on the roundabout, repositioned and installed larger yield signs and more.

Region staff is also looking at installing raised pedestrian crosswalks to further slow traffic. A staff recommendation on installation is expected to come back to council next spring.

But it’s not just the Homer Watson and Block Line roundabout that is under performing. The number of crashes is also higher than predicted at nine other roundabouts in the region.

“Somewhere in this process we need to have a gut check around roundabouts and how they are performing and what the problems are and why they are not performing as well as we expect them to. And I think it’s high time we have a discussion,” said Coun. Sean Strickland at the planning and works committee meeting on Tuesday.

“Something needs to change – we can’t continue to go on and spend millions and millions of dollars and not get the results,” he said, suggesting a training facility or program to help educate residents.

The region’s annual collision report also gives a rundown on roundabout incidents in Cambridge.

Topping the list of Cambridge roundabouts where accidents occurred – second worst in the region – is Fountain Street at Kossuth Road, where 32 collisions happened.

Following it was the new roundabout at Hespeler and Beaverdale roads where 23 accidents occurred. The roundabout on Fountain Street at Dickie Settlement Road is third on the local list with 22 accidents.

The roundabout at Townline Road and the Can-Amera Parkway ranked fourth in the city with 13 accidents, while there were 10 at Fountain Street and Blair Road; five at Can-Amera and Conestoga Boulevard and none on Pinebush Road at Thompson Drive.

While there are a variety of causes for the crashes at most roundabouts, when it comes to Homer Watson and Block Line, Coun. Geoff Lorentz said the main factor is definitely speed.

“Speed is everything at that roundabout … people need to slow down,” he said, adding some drivers try to overtake and pass vehicles in roundabouts.

Even though the number of crashes at the roundabout is high, Coun. Jim Wideman said it’s no reason to question the efficacy of all roundabouts.

“Following the three deaths at Floradale Road and Line 86, there’s no talk about getting rid of intersections,” he said.

Instead, Wideman said the region should focus on implementing appropriate counter measures or education and training.

“I’m very much in support of red light cameras. We should advertise and let people know where they are with a large sign. Yes, we’ll lose revenue, but they aren’t meant as a revenue generator; they’re meant for safety.

“Then we’ll see if behaviour changes and I think it would,” he said.

But Coun. Les Armstrong said the full impact of the roundabouts, which are said to decrease the severity of injuries in crashes by 35 per cent, will not be seen immediately.

“It’ll take a generation,” he said.

On the bright side, the reports states that collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians have dropped as the result of various counter measures, Henderson said.

The number of crashes involving pedestrians dropped from 154 in 2012 to 109 in 2013, while the number of collisions involving cyclists dropped from 130 in 2012 to 122 in 2013.

“We’ve been working hard to try and improve that area on our regional roads,” he said. “We’ve actively put together programs to address those areas.”

Graham Bridges

Here in UK roundabouts have been used since the 1930's and still work well if drivers have awareness. Some people race around them whilst others are afraid to get on. In France and Belgium t one time, the car entering the roundabout had right of way and the car going round had to stop!!!!! What lunacy, but that has been scrapped and now they do as we do. Overall I'm glad we have them, and they work well in the rush hour. Very dangerous for cyclists though, keep your kids away from them. Anyone ever driven around the arc de triumph/place d'etoile ? 18 lanes at the last count !!!!! The rule there is keep everyone else behind you so drive as fast possible ......would be funny if it wasn't so dangerous.

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gospodin

Italian roundabouts are the best. They laugh at you if you get stuck on the inside lane. I was laughed at many times.

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24r

Glad to hear you are ok. I have driven that round about quite frequently and you are right people really do not know what to do. The worst one is at Erb and Westhill Dr, That one I have almost had accidents there from driver who have no clue how to drive them,

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willigenburg

I know that feeling , same in Paris lol.
And i took my brothers brand new car in to Paris traffic.
I was Ten years older after that adventure i tell yah

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willigenburg

I know the area well in Cambridge but the last time i visited they still had crossings iso roundabouts lol.

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nurunet

Ah, but it seems you still have to differentiate between Carrefour giratoire and Rond-Point. The former is a proper roundabout where you have to yield to the traffic already inside. The latter, often found in cities, seems to follow the principle of "right before left", forcing cars inside to yield to oncoming traffic. Often, there are also traffic lights involved. Super confusing at first...

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DELTA-711

Roundabouts are a great design when used correctly, but always surprises me how a lot of drivers don't know how to use properly and panic when approaching a roundabout...

The best has to be the 'magic roundabout' in Swindon, UK... A roundabout made up of 5 mini roundabouts... I have driven round it a few times in the past, quite a fun experience!!!

Rockybudgeboa

Cars can be replaced, You and your family cannot


They have these in Aurora where Aryelle and her dad work. I do not like them and I do hope they do not bring them to Newmarket

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Graham Bridges

WTF!!!!!! Guess this works well if you're a local, but if you're not you will definitely need a navigator. Would love to know how the sat nav instructions sound on this one. Jeeeeeez.

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plane737

WTF X 2 !! never seen one like this before! This is the one down the street from my workplace. NOTHING like that one!

Rockybudgeboa

I remember a Kids show called The Magic Roundabout in the 70s

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gospodin

I'll bet large trucks and those with tandem trailers just love these roundabouts. It looks like a free-for-all.

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Steve







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tomcatter

now this is what i'm talking about! good olde blighty...

Graham Bridges

Brits vote on the best and worst roundabouts | Easier

I've been driving in the UK with roundabouts for 52 years, as I said, if you're local and know the area these "Magic Roundabouts" do work. No help if you are just passing through, especially if you're a tourist from overseas.

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T7_4ever

This would definitely scare the living crap out of the drivers here!

Also, this would definitely have a huge impact (no pun intended ) on business for the auto body shops here as well!

T7_4ever

This should be sent in a bulk email to all Ontario drivers!!

http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/ge...roundabout.swf

24r

Having grown up in KW this would not help.

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Diogenes the Cynic

Any dash cam footage?

T7_4ever

Thank you, sir. Family was fine, due to the other car not having much momentum. Cost to repair = $2,400.00 Agree with you those drivers that should be taking the bus/taxi instead.

That is way too funny!!

Reminds me of the movie European Vacation!!

True to that about the family. I was informed by the police that there will be more Roundabouts being built, and more Ontario cities are doing the same.

Ha ha ha! That is so true!

Unfortunately, my Imperial Star Destroyer has no dash cam. However, after this incident I may acquire one.

Also, at the Police Collision Reporting Station the next day; the driver told the officer = He hit me! The officer told her = No Ma'am, you hit him. You are not allowed to make a right from your lane. Your only options were to go straight or go around the circle. Then she replied = Now, I don't remember what happened! The officer replied, 'No worries, Ma'am. The gentlemen you hit has told me all of the events, step by step, along with a re-enactment with his son's hotwheels cars.' Too funny

24r

At least they believe your version which is also a good thing.

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Rockybudgeboa

Oh well. Now that Aryelle has her own car, good for her to learn on them.

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doug seeley

The roundabouts are the reason I won't even try to drive in the UK. In my next life I may be able to drive on the left, but this Yank has trouble looking left when crossing the street, let alone navigating a roundabout. I have a German driver's license, and do OK driving there, but in the UK, it's public transportation. Later, Doug

lightningfan

Commute from Fergus to Holiday inn drive every day, that roundabout is a disaster, the 18 wheelers need both lanes to get around, the cars think they do not. Too small for the amount of truck traffic. Wait till they make Franklin Blvd roundabout way.

Adrian

As Delta 711 has shown,we have the famous 'Magic Roundabout' here in Swindon which is my home town and i drive round it almost daily. It is a challenge for anyone new to the town - basically several small roundabouts grouped together. As long as everyone obeys the rules (give way to traffic on your right) it works fine.

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The missing B.707s still needed to be done in 1/400: Uganda Airlines, Luxair,

DC-8s still needed to be done in 1/400: UAT, Iberia ('80s scheme), Air Ceylon, Air Spain, Seaboard World (-63CF)

Aeroclassics Comets still missing- Dan Air (4 & 4C), United Arab Airlines/Misrair/Egyptair, Kuwait AW, Sudan AW, East African AW, Saudi Royal Flt.

T7_4ever

I hear ya, Doug. When I first drove in Bermuda there were a few times I caught myself looking the other way for traffic and making sure I stick to my lane on the left! Couple a hairy situations I was able to avoid. Relieved they had no major roundabouts installed there.

So True. I remember one truck on my left (inside lane) just drove into the roundabout without yielding to traffic! Not good!


I think from what I've read and heard; the drivers on the other side of the pond are much better drivers compared to their N.American counterparts. I do believe that obtaining a license in Europe is not easy, as it shouldn't be. I tip my hat to the drivers in Europe.

gospodin

Oh, that really depends on what part of "across the pond" you're talking about. There's hours and hours of footage with Italian, French and especially Russian crappy drivers on YouTube. Although I do believe the British have the most polite drivers. Except on the M25.

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T7_4ever

I stand corrected. You are absolutely right. Youtube does back you up on the zany drivers in some of the countries you mentioned.

T7_4ever

Here are the detailed events that happened after the impact. I ask any of you that have commented on this thread, 'Would you have done the same as me? Or stay at the scene and wait for the Police to resolve things?' Cheers! T7

1. After the impact of her car hitting ours; I pulled over to the curb and check that the family was OK.
2. I got out of the car and approached the other driver
3. She got out of the car and blurted = I am so confused with these new Roundabouts.
4. I wanted to say = No Frigging Kidding!
5. What I did say = Are you OK?
6. She replied she was fine and mentioned she was going to call her husband??
7. I said ‘Fine, I am going back to my car to get my insurance papers for you.’
8. I went back to my vehicle and told my wife that the other driver was OK.
9. I retrieved my insurance papers and walked back to her
10. She mentioned she could not get a hold of her husband.
11. I replied, sorry to hear that, but let’s exchange our drivers license and insurance information.
12. She declined and wanted to talk to her husband
13. I noticed she was wearing a Hijab and was thinking to myself that she probably couldn’t do anything without his sign-off.
14. I told her that she could talk to him after we exchange our vehicle/drivers information. There was no severe damage done to either vehicles and there were no injuries.
15. This time she asked me = Can you go to my house?
16. I was stunned by her request?? At the same time, it’s freezing outside and I have the family in the car and wanted to get this done ASAP so I can bring them home.
17. A part of me wanted to say, “No that’s not going to happen. We will stay here while I call the police, due to the other driver being uncooperative”.
18. Another part of me = I am sure she is in a state of shock, worried what her hubby is going to say to her, etc.. All she needs is a little break from me.
19. So, I granted her request and asked her where she lived.
20. I knew the intersection and it was about a 10 minute drive from our accident scene.
21. She was relieved I said ‘Yes’, but then she asked me if she could follow me to her place??
22. I was a bit shocked by the 2nd request, so I told her ‘NO, I don’t know where you live and that I will follow your car.’
23. She agreed that she would lead.
24. I jumped back in my car and explained everything to the wifey, and she was not too thrilled about going to the other driver’s place. But, I told her that I already took photos of the damage to both cars, along with her license plate and the scene of the accident. If the driver bolts; the police can now charge her with leaving the scene.
25. Lo and behold, as we approached the infamous Homer Watson/Block Line Roundabout (scene of many accidents) there was a huge emergency at the roundabout (police car, fire truck and ambulance) 3 cars were banged up pretty bad. I told the wifey, ‘I hope she knows how to navigate this roundabout! ’
26. When we got to her apartment, we parked both cars in front of the building.
27. I told her that if she wasn’t back down with her husband within 10 minutes I will call the police.
28. I jumped back in my car and called the ‘Non-emergency’ police line.
29. The police mentioned that I didn’t have to drive over to the other driver’s place, and that I could’ve called the Police at the scene for assistance with an uncooperative driver.
30. I mentioned to the officer that I had my family in the car and wanted to resolve the situation as soon as possible, so be it that I have to drive to this apartment block to get her drivers license and insurance papers.
31. The police mentioned that the Police Reporting Collision Centre was closed for the day, but to visit the next day (Sunday) to file the report.
32. The lady came down with her husband and 4 kids in tow, he surveyed the damage to both vehicles and shook his head.
33. I told him, ‘Sir, I need your wife’s drivers license and insurance; and here is my drivers license and insurance papers’
34. He looked over at his wife and gave a nod.
35. She finally then pulled out her drivers license and retrieved the insurance papers from their vehicle’s glovebox.
36. I took pics of both and handed mine over.
37. Once the transaction was completed.
38. I informed them of what the next steps were and I will see them at the Reporting Centre on Sunday.
39. Finally was able to drive the family back home to eat supper and relax.

Rockybudgeboa

Wow.


I only hope she cooperated and came to the reporting centre on the Sunday as she was supposed to do.

Very smart that you did what you did with taking photos of her license plate and such

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24r

With being uncoperative I would have remained on scene and called the police.

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T7_4ever

Yes, she and her family showed up after I had completed my interview with the Police. See above for her side of the story.


True. I wonder what would've happened if I undertook this action.

1. She would just take off and say she was going to drive home to personally talk to her husband?

2. If she did stay and wait for the police to arrive, would she have told the officer to drive to her house as well?

T7_4ever

Thought I would provide some "Roundabout" entertainment dash cam videos for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iPLBRSAKyw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjuFmTEfnSY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDGNNHbeICU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V_AAJhuieI


White Mazda at fault for this crash:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyx-rpTIHHQ

This is the best one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jesf4xFOg1Q

Cheers! T7

T7_4ever

Just saw some videos of your Magic Roundabout! Scares the crap out of me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D22BOOGbpFM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15rhxBBpSBQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHyhaT0EyKo

Me wonders, if these roundabouts they've been putting in over here will eventually to lead to something like the 'Magic' Roundabout?? I can see the dashcams flying off the shelves if they ever did. Cheers! T7

( The Imperial Star Destroyer is back in service; the guys at Hefner Toyota Lexus bodyshop did an awesome job! Also helped that I personally know the Manager in the collision centre! They've got an awesome and huge facility with over 30 employees! )

24r

Was in K-W this past Tuesday and there are more roundabouts than the last time i was there. Drivers certainly do not know how to handle them.

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T7_4ever

You are so right! Here is the latest from the Waterloo Region City Planners! Should we be surprised that they dropped the ball on how to make use of Roundabouts? Now they are going to try and put 'band aids' on their screw ups? I really don't think the bigger signs, paint jobs, etc.. are going to help!

Road Ahead: Roundabouts to get bigger signs, better paint, stronger message

Road Ahead: Roundabouts to get bigger signs, better paint, stronger message

Crosswalk rules at our 23 busiest roundabouts aren't changing. But later this year, roundabout crosswalks will get bigger signs, better paint and a stronger message.

New signs will tell drivers to stop for pedestrians instead of yield to pedestrians. It's a clearer command, less about judgment, harder to misunderstand.

Crosswalks in roundabouts (technically called Level 2 Pedestrian Crossovers) will be painted boldly with ladder crosswalks and warnings that look like shark's teeth.

Regional government intends to spend $250,000 to install and promote new signs and paint, and will have to reduce speed limits heading into the St. Jacobs roundabout. Cities and townships are expected to put the same signs and paint in their roundabouts.

Ontario has written the new crossovers into law. It's a big step forward that should help police enforce traffic in roundabouts. Enforcement can be tricky because the Highway Traffic Act is silent on the circles.

Roundabout rules, however, are basically unchanged. The top safety rule is to make eye contact. That's also common sense.

Drivers are to stop for pedestrians at the curb, if the vehicle can stop safely. Drivers must stop for pedestrians already crossing. Don't pass another vehicle that's approaching a crosswalk or is stopped at one.

Drivers must wait for the pedestrian to fully clear the roadway. This differs from traffic signals where drivers may proceed through a crosswalk gap.

Pedestrians — don't step off the curb unless persuaded a driver is stopping. Don't step off if a driver can't stop safely.

Safety remains a shared concern. A regional report puts it this way: "The legislation has been set up so that legal responsibility is assigned to both the motorist and pedestrian."

Pending further review, regional councillors declined for now to install flashing lights and overhead signs. You might think lights would make roundabouts even safer. The problem is that it would condition everyone to look to the lights and not each other, undermining education and shared responsibility, while creating inconsistencies at crosswalks without flashing lights.

Signalized intersections are often dangerous places and one reason is that people pay more attention to the lights than to each other. Let's not extend that to roundabouts if we don't have to.