There has been much interest in installing roundabouts. I have always felt that roundabouts and four way stops are effective since respectful and safe drivers take turns entering roundabouts and drivers generally wait their turn at four way stops. Even when the stop and go lights are not working, drivers generally take turns before entering the intersection.

Here is what I have noticed with the roundabouts installed now in Port Townsend and in Sequim: As a rule, drivers do not take turns or yield to those waiting to enter. When I see a long line of cars approaching from my left (I am leaving the road out of the Goodwill in Port Townsend), the cars speed up into the circle so I have to wait a long time to get my turn to enter.

For roundabouts to work, they need to be fair for all, drivers need to yield to the car on their right that has been waiting to enter. In looking at the proposal to add a roundabout at Paradise Road and Highway 104, there will need to be some education for more courtesy or new laws for the system to work.

I can visualize cars racing down Highway 104 to the bridge and not letting cars from Paradise Road to enter.

Bill Barnet
Brinnon