Roundabout hazard | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Caroline Graham makes some excellent points regarding the lack of education in the use of roundabouts here in Utah ("Roundabout 101," Forum, June 5).

Having driven in many countries that use roundabouts effectively, I ,too, am dismayed by the lack of knowledge Utah drivers exhibit in their use. Better education and enforcement are definitely needed.

However, since the goal of a roundabout is to facilitate safety while improving traffic flow, I am amazed that the roundabout at the intersection of Pioneer Road and 1300 East in Draper is almost entirely obstructed by a collection of mural walls celebrating Draper's pioneer history.

A driver waiting to merge with traffic already in the circle cannot see the cars already in the circle. The irrational placement of these vision-obstructing murals totally obviates the function of the roundabout. It creates a terrific safety hazard and impedes the flow of traffic.

The view across the center of the roundabout should be free of signage and tall foliage.

Peter Hoegel

Draper