Traffic roundabouts

Photo: STAR

In Bangladesh, roundabouts are the accepted norm for traffic management and control across four-way road crossings. However, I came across different ideas, when I went through a professional traffic related journal in USA, a few years back! Their view was that a traffic roundabout was suitable for intermittent and low density traffic. Also the view around and across the traffic circle had to be totally clear for any vehicle driver approaching it from any direction and the traffic lights faultless! Needless to say, it was taken for granted that all the vehicle drivers were disciplined, trained, licensed and fully aware of traffic rules! The visibility circle all round the roundabout was considered critical and traffic stoppage line at any road leading to the roundabout had to be minimum twenty five yards from the nearest circumference of the roundabout.
Traffic lights had to be located at fairly high level, hung preferably along the centre line of the roundabout. Also in urban areas types of traffic had segregated lanes; with designated lanes for heavy and light vehicles; and totally and physically separate road lanes for goods vehicles and trailers. Furthermore, on spot penalties are given for any traffic violation; and as the traffic policemen are officially entitled to a certain percentage of the fines realised; traffic control is therefore very strict, and no violation is tolerated!
No such thing, unfortunately, exists in Dhaka, or anywhere else in Bangladesh; though Dhaka has more traffic than many state capitals in USA.
About driver and driving discipline, the least said the better. Lane distribution for different types of traffic is non-existent! Visibility across cross roads and over the roundabout is curtailed, more often than not by commemorative pillars or statues or trees!
It all adds up to one word "MESS"! In that respect, we are fortunate, that despite all the "Hotch Potch" around road crossings, serious accidents are thankfully few and far between!