Safer roads, yes, but not dangerous traffic circles

As as native of New Jersey who moved to Florida over 20 years ago, I am distressed about the potential for traffic circles (or as the British call, them "roundabouts") on roads I regularly use such as SR 64 and Rye Road.

It is my understanding that the first traffic circles in the U.S. originated in New Jersey when there were far fewer cars on the road. As traffic increased, so did accidents, injuries, and deaths at said traffic circles, so much so that one of the major N.J. highways became known as Killer 9.

New Jersey has since replaced most, if not all of the circles, with safer traffic lights.

The idea that traffic circles are a good idea runs contrary to the experience in New Jersey. Drivers entering the circles are never sure who has the right-of-way -- leading to confusion and potential for accidents.

Please, let's first call them by the American term "traffic circle" and relegate them to ancient history. We don't need more confusion, just safer roads.

Marianne Schweitzer

Parrish

This story was originally published January 23, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Safer roads, yes, but not dangerous traffic circles ."