General Road and Highway Discussion

[ookpik]

I've got my own problems with roundabouts, and would be interested in seeing data about the safety of more vulnerable road users at the roundabouts in the Region. 

In Europe major roundabouts in populated areas include special underpasses or bridges for pedestrians and cyclists. Provision for something similar should be made here when designing and costing roundabouts here. (In particular roundabouts located near schools!)

Outhit is wrong when he says that it was hoped that they would reduce overall collisions. Most people with any education about them understand that they do not reduce the instances of collisions, but reduce the impacts of them- which is pretty good, and obviously safer.

We need better education. This needs to be a provincial initiative, not just left to those regions who decide to build roundabouts. Negotiating roundabouts needs to be included in the training of all new drivers and part of the driving test in areas where roundabouts exist.  There should also be specific language in the Highway Traffic Act about roundabouts and how to safely negotiate them.  (there is already in the Driver's Handbook, but that's hardly legally binding.) There was a bill, sponsored by local MPP Mike Harris (Bill 46, Safe Roundabouts Act, 2013) but it went nowhere. It's my understanding that the police are reluctant to stop bad drivers at roundabouts or to have safety blitzes at roundabouts because they can't cite a specific roundabout violation in the HTA. 

Outhit could have mentioned this. But then the article wouldn't be his usual prejudiced and hyperbolized condemnation of roundabouts.