How long is it going to take for people to learn how to drive through all the traffic circles that have been built around the region? It seems that, even on the roundabouts that have been in place for a year or more,
people are either too aggressive or too passive when approaching and entering these devices. The only “instructions” we’ve received from local or state highway planners are small signs on the approach that state “Yield to vehicles in the circle.” While that bit of advice should be sufficient, it doesn’t seem to cover all the scenarios.
For example: Who has the right of way when there are multiple vehicles approaching the circle? Do we fall back on the old edict that the vehicle on the right has the right of way? More often than not it seems like the race is to see who can get into the circle first and become, like the king of the hill, the person who “owns” the circle.
Far too many of these circles, also known as “traffic-calming devices”, are placed near shopping areas where the level of distraction is already very high. Many shoppers are in a certain mindset and are focused on what they are going to buy or whether they just got a good deal rather than the task of driving. There is a certain aggression that comes into play when the mind is set on shopping.
Here are a couple of thoughts: If there are other vehicles in or around a traffic circle, approach it like a four-way stop. If there is nobody else around, then adhere to the speed limit and keep an eye open. Since many pedestrian crossing areas have been placed at the top or bottom of these circles be wary of those who are on the curb; they have the right of way whether you are in the circle or not. It wouldn’t hurt to let someone go through before you, even though you might have the advantage by the slightest of margins.
I happen to live very near a circle that’s been around for a couple of years, and I constantly hear the squeal of brakes as people realize at the last minute that they have to slow down or even come to a stop. These devices are supposed to keep traffic moving, but far too often they because hazards. More often than not it’s because someone isn’t paying attention or thinks he can get the advantage by speeding forward.
Metro Bus drivers wanted
Want to drive a Metro Bus? This Saturday, Metro is holding an open testing day for full-time bus operators to help fill vacancies. The testing begins at 8:30 a.m. at Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building 2 in Rockville. Free shuttle service will be provided from the Shady Grove Metro Station on the Red Line to the testing site from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
If you are at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or GED, you’ve got a shot. You must have at least four years of driving experience with no more than two points on your traffic record and no suspensions or revocations due to moving violations in the three years preceding the application.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to complete a Metro job application (available at metroopensdoors.com) and bring a copy of your current driving record (you can get that from your local DMV for a small fee) and a valid driver’s license to the testing site.
