The Whitewater Kiwanis welcomed Dan Nelson, a 13-year veteran deputy of the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department to their recent meeting. Nelson presented a locally developed slide show explaining the reasons for the use of the rotary, or roundabout, at an intersection and how to navigate the rotary from various directions. Nelson also used an interactive video on how not to drive a car at a rotary.
Most people may not realize the rotary concept was developed in 1909 in Great Britain; even that early in the century it was realized that growing traffic needed to be safe and efficient. The first rotaries were constructed in the United States in 1966 and by 1990 the number of rotaries had grown in number, but were limited mostly to the eastern states. By 2011 Nelson estimated there were 2,000 around the United States, and could reach 300 in Wisconsin this year.
Currently, the Elkhorn Road, Bluff and Clay streets intersection is the only rotary in Walworth County although three more are currently in the planning stages. Experience with the rotary has given traffic engineers some points to consider in future developments including the number of semi’s transiting it and the speeds allowed, both important factors.
Statistics, Nelson explained, bear out the fact that, in general, the rotary provides a safer intersection. There has been a significant decrease in serious accidents, with a 52 percent decrease in fatalities and a 9 percent decrease in all accidents.
In 1909 there were no rules for navigating a rotary but today if people follow the rules, the rotary does provide a safe and efficient intersection.
