3 Things That Can Help The Success Of Roundabouts in Yakima

When word came that Yakima was getting ANOTHER roundabout, this time, way out in West Valley along 72nd Ave and Washington Ave, it sparked a bit of debate between my wife and I on the Pros and Cons of having them and the 3 things we agreed on.

The Negative Side Of Yakima Roundabouts

My wife hates roundabouts. I tease her by saying how she just can't drive (NOTE: she is a great driver, but admittedly does suck at parking).

When I asked her why she hates them so much, she gave the answer that many would agree with.

"People in Yakima are already horrible drivers; now give them something where they can just blow through as fast as they want!?!"

 

The problems she listed are people not slowing down, going in the wrong direction, changing lanes mid-turn, cutting each other off, not yielding, and if a semi gets in one, all rules are out the window.

She then brought up the several incidents of wrecks that have occurred in the 3 roundabouts in Union Gap and the new roundabouts on HWY 97.

While those wrecks did happen, that's really not a good comparison because you can never know how many wrecks were avoided. I then started spouting statistics (not a good way to win a debate with your loved one).

The Pros of Having Yakima Roundabout

Maybe it's the 13 years of driving for a living or that I look at roundabouts as my miniature NASCAR track (that point didn't help), but roundabouts have never bothered me.

When they work, everyone is going in the same direction; it's faster, and you're in and out. No waiting at a light that is taking forever or stuck at a 4-way stop sign having a one-way conversation with the other stopped drivers.

"Go! It's your F***ing turn!"

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Here's what the experts say:

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS) show a 75% decrease in accidents at intersections (where there used to be a stop light or sign).

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They’ve also reported how it can reduce pedestrian incidents by 40%, reduce delays by 89%, and reduce traffic back-ups by 56%.

READ MORE: Attention Yakima Drivers... Don't Be Like This Person!

I once asked my officer friend how many times you could keep driving in a roundabout until you got pulled over. He told me that technically as, as long as I was not speeding and following the rules, as long as I wanted, or until they got a complaint, but when I was pulled over to do it outside of the roundabout.

3 Things That Can Help The Success Of Roundabouts in Yakima

My wife and I did agree on 3 things that make roundabouts more successful and safer.

• Patience
• Caution
• Attention

Those may seem like no-brainers, but a wise man once said how "common sense is hardly ever common," especially when dealing with people driving.

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