Roundabouts
To the editor: It was with great amusement that I read the tips in the Aug. 18 edition on how to navigate a multi-lane roundabout. Apparently, one is to stay in the left lane if he wishes to go straight through the roundabout or make a left turn or U-turn. However, one is not to change lanes while in the roundabout.
This is reminiscent of Hotel California: “You can check out any time you’d like, but you can never leave.”
A multi-lane roundabout is a series of accidents waiting to happen. This is especially true when drivers do not frequently encounter roundabouts. Several years ago, a multi-lane roundabout was installed on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh near the N.C. State bell tower. After multiple accidents, it was converted into a single-lane roundabout.
This fiasco was the brainchild of the NCDOT, the source of the aforementioned tips. Are roundabouts really a viable solution or simply a costly fad?
Jim Herrmann, Flat Rock
CLG:Flat Rock 
Jim’s 100% correct. “Always in a hurry, it’s my right no matter what” American drivers will soon turn the Greenville Highway into a circular, multi-lane demolition derby. I hope the NCDOT installs CCTV cameras to record the mayhem so I can watch it on YouTube.
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My only “round about” experience was in Britian. They are multilaned so if that if you miss your turn you go around again while jockeying to be in the correct lane to turn. Ofcourse you are supposed to change lanes in an “as needed” manner. That’s the whole point!
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