Sunday, February 24, 2008

Circling Safety




Sometimes lost in all the debate on the red light cameras is their intent: to reduce accidents. As a victim of a red light runner in which both my air bags deployed and my mini-van was totaled, I am acutely aware of how dangerous intersections can be. Maybe we can move the debate from installing more red light cameras, to installing more traffic circles. The evidence of their ability to reduce accidents and slow, or calm, traffic is pretty strong (see graphics). Plus they are aesthetically pleasing and protect pedestrians as demonstrated by the just opened circle on UNM's North Campus (see picture). 

1 comment:

theconstructivist said...

I think traffic circles are great, but somebody has to teach everyone how to use the one at Central and 8th. People just don't seem to get it. Thanks for the diagrams, maybe they'll help.