May 27 2009
There is a reason it's called a Michigan left; the unique traffic turnabout integrated into the center island of a boulevard was pioneered in the state in 1960 and prevented long lines for left turns. So, if it ain't broke?
Apparently, the answer is "make it more confusing."
Newfangled Traffic Circles
Traffic circles aka rotaries aka roundabouts (multi-lane traffic circles) are common in Europe but relatively new to the Midwest. Wherever their origin, they certainly seem to be on the rise in the Metro-Detroit area, apparently because, statistically speaking, they reduce accidents.Confused Drivers
Accident reduction, however, undoubtedly requires a driving population that has some clue how to use a traffic circle or roundabout. Instead, most Detroit drivers, although well versed with the Michigan Left, stop dead in utter confusion when presented with a roundabout. While this wouldn't be so bad if they stopped dead at the yield sign leading into the circle, the sad truth is they stop dead in the circle and/or manage to get in the wrong lane for their exit -- think a revolving door with multiple rings and exits.Traffic Circle Guides
You know traffic circles and especially roundabouts are confusing when there are several "how to" guides on the Internet concerning Detroit-area traffic circles/roundabouts:- Traffic Circles and Roundabouts / CrossRoadsHog.com (glossary and how-to guide)
- Roundabout Rules & Etiquette specific to the US-23/Lee Road Interchange
Notorious Detroit-Area Traffic Circles
Confusing or no, Brighton seems to be adopting the traffic circle as a kind of community emblem. Not only is there a traffic circle in downtown Brighton, but the rare double traffic circle has been built off the Lee Road exit of US-23 on the way to Green Oak Village Place (an outdoor plaza/mall). Another notorious roundabout is the three-lane roundabout at 18 Mile and Van Dyke.Know of any more?
More Information:
- Motorists, engineers go round and round on roundabouts Valerie Olander / The Detroit News (8/25/06)
