I know roundabouts aren't really a US thing...So I can't expect much from my fellow American drivers when it comes time for them to maneuver them properly. I have the privilege of driving through one of the very few (very small) roundabouts here in Austin every morning. I have now seen 6 wrecks that have been caused by roundabout-challenged drivers. Typically drivers from the inner lanes don't exit the circle properly. Cutting across a lane of traffic to exit the circle without looking to see if the outer lane is clear will almost assuredly get your car dented.Also..Staying in the outer lane and not turning off at the next exit puts you in prime wrecking position.
Roundabouts do take some getting used to, but I know it can be done. I drove through hundreds of roundabouts in England. And that was driving a 1980's mini standard in the opposite seat on the opposite side of the road, with switched pedals, operating the gear shift with my left hand. More recently I survived numerous roundabouts in Costa Rica where there were No road signs, speed limits or general driving prowess to be found. "Oh-Shit" moments were never hard to come by.
The roundabout is actually a very useful traffic phenomenon. Not to be confused with a traffic circle (which entering cars are controlled by stop signs and/or lights), the roundabout keeps traffic flowing nicely. When used properly, they control congestion and flow perfectly. When used improperly you sit in stopped traffic for 30 minutes waiting to get around the soccer mom from cedar Park who couldn't put down her cellphone long enough to pay attention to what she was doing before she tried to cut into exiting traffic and hit the car that was properly using the circle. Bitch.
