Green Country Scene Volume 4 Issue 1 | Page 9

creates conflict points with drivers trying to beat the stoplight and large trucks swinging out into two lanes to make the turn . The new roundabout creates extra wide aprons and low sloped curbing , allowing longer vehicles and trailers a wider turn . The curvature of a roundabout results in lower speeds , and avoids turning across traffic . This reduces the number of potential points where a collision could occur . Spacing between cars permit vehicles to enter easily into the flow of traffic .
If a driver misses their turn , they continue around the circle and exit when the desired turnoff is again reached . On the shoulders of the driving lanes , 40-foot masts with 6-foot arms sporting LED lights ensure drivers clearly see the directional markings and exits .
Thomas Gerlach , an ODOT spokesperson , said ODOT has installed several roundabouts across the state , and plans to install several more in the next few years . This includes two along SH-82 north of Tahlequah , and another nearby in Delaware County at US-412A , on US-59 , and SH-10 in Kansas , Oklahoma .
Insurance data presented confirms that roundabouts reduce total accidents by up to 68 %, and injury accidents up to 88 %.
For more information about how traffic moves in and out of a roundabout , individuals should visit https :// www . facebook . com / Oklahoma-Roundabouts-515244895236863 /.
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Issue 1 • Volume 4 • Green Country Scene | Tahlequah Daily Press 9