A New Fear Unlocked in Michigan: Roundabout Hell

Roundabout Hell has arrived in Michigan and it appears to have landed near Whitmore Lake in Livingston County.

The recently-opened roundabout in Green Oak Charter Township Fieldcrest Road, Silver Lake Road, and the on-and-off ramps for US 23.

Roundabouts in Michigan

According to the latest data available from the Michigan Department of Transportation, there are 180 roundabouts in Michigan.

Advocates argue that traffic circles are safer than traditional intersections and allow traffic to move more efficiently. Data from MDOT analyzed by Michigan Auto Law shows that when an intersection is converted to a roundabout, there is a significant increase in the number of total crashes but fewer fatalities and injuries caused by accidents.

READ MORE:  Michigan's Most Dangerous Roads for Winter Driving

The Federal Highway Administration and the Insurance Institue for Highway Safety also support that, saying that there is approximately a 90% reduction in traffic fatalities and a 75% reduction in serious injury crashes when roundabouts replace traditional intersections.

Welcome to Roundabout Hell

The Green Oak Charter Township Police Department posted about the township's new roundabout at Whitmore Lake Rd. and US 23.

Let me editorialize for one moment:  What were they thinking?

In addition to what appears to be a very complex roundabout, there are sidewalks and crosswalks. What? Here's an excerpt from the township's post:

"Sidewalks! Different than our other roundabouts in the township- there are sidewalks that cross the main roads AND the ramps for the expressway. YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN THE CROSSWALKS."

We've embedded the post, along with pictures and comments below.

As you may have guessed, the comments section is rich with opinions from delighted motorists.