Circle these three tips when entering roundabouts

Daniel Island and Point Hope have multiple traffic circles. 

 

The most frequently used circles in the area are located on Daniel Island at the intersection of Daniel Island Drive and Seven Farms Drive and the one in Point Hope at the intersection of Point Hope Parkway and Hopewell Drive. 

 

Both circles serve as key intersections in our communities and are heavily trafficked, especially during school drop off and pick up times. 

 

I’m a huge fan of traffic circles. Circles effectively keep traffic moving but also slow it down. They are practical and generally safe.

 

But not every car, biker, or pedestrian uses the circles properly. With the start of the school year and increased traffic at the circles due to classes at Bishop England, Daniel Island School, and the three Philip Simmons schools, now is a good time to review the rules for navigating traffic circles.

 

The three biggest areas of concern that I see on a regular basis are: 1. Cars not slowing down when entering the circle, 2. Bicyclists improperly riding their bikes through the pedestrian crosswalk, and 3. Pedestrians failing to use the flashing lights to signal drivers they are entering the crosswalk.

 

Cars should slow down when entering a traffic circle

This seems obvious but, due to the construction of the Daniel Island Drive circle, cars traveling down Seven Farm Drive from Bishop England often drive into the circle without slowing down. This is dangerous for other drivers, bikers and walkers. Slow down when entering the circle.

 

Bikes are treated like cars

Bikes follow the same rules as vehicles and should yield when entering the roundabout. 

 

On Daniel Island, many bikers enter the circle as if they are pedestrians, especially children. 

 

In that case, cyclists should get off their bikes and walk as a pedestrian on the sidewalk and in the crosswalk.

 

Pedestrians have responsibilities, too

Pedestrians should only cross at crosswalks, stop at the refuge in the splitter island, and make sure the oncoming driver sees them before entering the crosswalk. 

 

Finally, use the flashing lights, especially at night. The lights alert drivers to be on the lookout for pedestrians.

 

For more information on how to navigate traffic circles, visit bit.ly/4fH5rPz.