With the introduction of roundabouts in Wellington County, the Seniors Centre for Excellence invited Wellington County OPP Constable Patrick Mullan to share his knowledge and experience on this style of intersection with seniors at the February congregate dinner meeting.
Mullan has lived in various countries around the globe and has experienced different types of roundabouts in Australia, Greece, France and Ireland.
Through a series of photos, Mullan explained the history of roundabouts beginning with traffic circles. Often confused with modern roundabouts, these circles are not roundabouts and do not function like roundabouts.
With roots in 1904, the roundabout has evolved in design and functionality over the years, beginning with the addition of yield signs. In 1966 Frank Blackmore of the United Kingdom standardized the modern roundabout. By 1990 more of the driving population was exposed to roundabouts. In 2008, half of the worlds 30,000 roundabouts were in France. Today North American drivers utilize 3,500 roundabouts, which differ by signage, lane size and number of lanes depending on community needs.
Mullan asked the diners what scares them about roundabouts? Responses included that the structures are new, people don’t see a need for them, fear of the unknown and needing time to adjust to using them.
“I will attempt to alleviate your fears by explaining the proper use of roundabouts,” Mullan said. “That way you can feel more comfortable driving on them.”
Mullan explained through the use of diagrams and videos that a conventional roundabout has three exits. When driving into the roundabout, exit number one is the first exit on the right hand side, number two goes straight and number three is on the left hand side after a vehicle travels around the roundabout.
In Wellington County all roundabouts contain one lane only. When approaching a roundabout drivers should slow down – posted speed limits are 20km/h – obey yield signs and remember the vehicle in the roundabout has right of way, but pedestrians have priority.
Delay entry if large vehicles are using the roundabout. Large vehicles should make use of mirrors, slow down and use the track apron designed for larger vehicles.
Cyclist are considered vehicles unless the rider is walking the bicycle across the crosswalk.
If an emergency vehicle is following a vehicle on the roundabout, the vehicle should proceed through the roundabout and pull over to the side of the road after exiting.
“When entering the structure be prepared for pedestrians not paying attention and never assume all drivers will signal their turn. When approaching the splitter island where pedestrians may be crossing, look in all directions, even behind,” Mullan said. “When a pedestrian has reached the middle of the splitter island, vehicles are allowed to proceed.”
Since roundabouts became popular in 1990 in Canada and the United States, statistics reveal there have been no fatalities involving drivers and pedestrians. In comparison with intersections there have been 39 per cent fewer collisions, a 30% reduction in vehicle emissions and a 50% increase in traffic flow.
During a question and answer period, the roundabout at the intersection of Wellington Roads 8 and 12 outside of Drayton was discussed. Mayor Neil Driscoll confirmed that the landscaping in the centre island is there to prevent drivers from seeing vehicles that are entering or exiting the roundabout. This allows for a continued flow of traffic.
Mullan encouraged all attendees by saying, “Don’t avoid using roundabouts. Keep driving on them and you will find them easier to use each time you drive on them. Always respect the driver in the roundabout, be courteous and signal your intention.”
For more information and videos on roundabouts go to www. wellington.ca and www.youtube.com/user/Countyof Wellington.
