10-08-2013, 10:50 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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4-way stops vs. roundabouts: which is more efficient? Mythbusters tests both (vid)
The "efficiency" question Mythbusters is looking at in this test is throughput -- which design allows more vehicles to use the intersection in a given amount of time. But that translates to fuel efficiency as well.
Drivers who have used both can probably guess the outcome...
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10-08-2013, 11:36 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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A madman
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I didn't even realize that "a roundabout is more efficient than a 4 way stop" is a myth. Maybe it's just a myth like gravity is. Or the moon landings.
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10-08-2013, 11:47 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I wonder if traffic sensing stop lights would make a difference for the 4-way.
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10-08-2013, 11:57 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Administrator
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It really depends on how well they're programmed. I have a bunch around me. Some work great, others make me stop almost every dang time.
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10-08-2013, 12:03 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Quote:
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Maybe it's just a myth like gravity is. Or the moon landings.
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Funny! 
Maybe suspicion about roundabouts is a side-effect of general wariness (in some quarters of the U.S.) about things "European". |
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10-08-2013, 12:36 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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MPGuino Supporter
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MythBusters must be running out of ideas, or something. Anyone who has lived in both the US and in Europe (me, for instance), will easily come to the conclusion that traffic circles are much better than intersections at passing traffic.
Was a bit unhappy earlier, because I could not see the YouTube video because OpenDNS (which I WAS using) blocked it as being a "video sharing website".
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10-08-2013, 01:54 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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fuel conserver
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Maybe they did this myth since it seems so logical that traffic circles are more efficient than 4-way stops, therefore if proved false, it would be climactic.
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10-08-2013, 02:06 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Also depends on the design of the roundabout. Those which are designed to make traffic flow efficiently do just that, and do it quite well (at least in my personal experience). Unfortunately, some highway departments are staffed by d**kheads who design them to be "traffic calming" devices - with too small a radius, reverse banking, etc - to impede traffic flow.
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10-08-2013, 02:41 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I'll take a roundabout over a 4 way stop every time.
regards
Mech
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10-08-2013, 02:43 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Not Doug
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox
It really depends on how well they're programmed. I have a bunch around me. Some work great, others make me stop almost every dang time.
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Daox, they only sense you. They miss you! They want to spend more time with you! You two never talk anymore.
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