By SCOTT BATSON, PE
Porland, Ore.

Robert Bourque is incorrect in his recent letter to the editor about the visibility across modern roundabouts.

If you’re looking at the other side of a modern roundabout when you’re entering, you’re driving unsafely. Drivers entering a modern roundabout should first look for pedestrians, then watch for other motorists approaching their entry, and then watch for pedestrians when exiting.

The motorist on the other side of the circle won’t get to you for 5 or 10 seconds (watch a clock/your phone’s stopwatch to see how long that is). Obscured views across the central island is one of the safety features that helps keep speeds near the optimum 15-20 mph (30 kph) and helps insure drivers recognize there is something in the usual path to slow for and go around.

Objects in the circle draw attention to it and help people recognize the need to slow down.