Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on July 16, 2017
A recent neighborhood meeting among 12 South residents called for a better way to address traffic issues in the area, and in response, Metro Public Works will install a traffic circle at the intersection of 10th Avenue South and Lawrence Avenue.
Per a report by WSMV.com, the city will collect data and traffic observations while the circle is in place, which is scheduled to last from July 15 to July 22.
A statement by the MPW says that the traffic circle could help reduce crashes and cause drivers to slow down as they pass through the area, which has a significant number of pedestrians and bicyclists.
After the traffic circle is installed, residents will be able to attend a meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Sevier Park Community Center to provide feedback about it and its effectiveness.
Tips for Driving on Roads with Traffic Circles
Traffic circles—also known as roundabouts—are common sights on roadways in many countries throughout the world, but they’re relatively new in some parts of the United States, especially for many Middle Tennessee residents. And while these traffic management designs are supposed to prevent accidents and reduce congestion, they can be confusing for drivers who aren’t used to them.
To stay safe while driving on roads that have traffic circles, do your best to follow these tips:
When you’re approaching a roundabout, it’s important to remember that the drivers inside the traffic circle have the right of way. That means you’ll need to yield to them until there’s an opening for you to enter the traffic circle. You can enter multi-lane roundabouts if the lane closest to you is available, but watch for drivers who may be changing lanes inside the circle.
Once you’re inside a traffic circle, you may come across drivers at other parts of it who are waiting to enter. Maintain your speed until you’ve exited. Because you have the right of way, you don’t have to slow down and let them enter. Doing so can increase your risk of an accident, especially if drivers behind you aren’t expecting you to slow down or stop.
When you’re ready to exit a traffic circle, it’s important to let other drivers know your intentions. Using your turn signals to indicate lane changes and turns that will take your vehicle out of the roundabout will help you decrease your risk of an accident.
Many roundabouts are also equipped with sidewalks and crossing signals to accommodate pedestrians. When passing through a roundabout, always be prepared to encounter pedestrians and be prepared to stop if they’re crossing the street.
Many roundabouts are multi-lane. When driving in a multi-lane traffic circle, it’s important to remember that other vehicles may be in your blind spot in adjacent lanes. Stay in your lane and avoid drifting over, as doing so can force other drivers off the road or cause an accident.
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law know that traffic circles and roundabouts have many advantages when it comes to reducing vehicle speeds, managing traffic, and providing safe place for pedestrians to walk. But we also know that lack of familiarity with these traffic management tools can occasionally lead to accidents.
Following the tips above is a great way to reduce your risks when driving on streets and residential roads that utilize roundabouts. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow those tips, and accidents can happen at any time on Davidson County’s roadways.
If you or someone you know was involved in a crash that was caused by a negligent or careless driver, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. Our legal team has two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims like you, and we know what it takes to build successful cases that get results. Get in touch with us today. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online form.
