Round and Round

There`s a new obstacle for area drivers to navigate. These cars aren`t lost, they`re just navigating the new Roundabout in Carthage. Construction began in March, and the work was completed this week. So far the reviews are mixed. "I don`t really like it. I think its confusing and it takes up time,"said Sarah Maynard,Carthage Driver. "I think it`s kind of an exciting thing to have in Carthage Missouri. We don`t have a lot of em in this part of the county and its going to be interesting to watch people learn to drive,"said Ann Bays, Driver. Drivers are still learning the ins and outs of the roundabout. It`s purpose is to circle it ,without having to stop at any stop signs. "Well frankly it was better the other way. It seems like a hassle to get in. It`s more of a pain I think,"said Cristi Winser,Driver. "It appears to be working pretty smoothly. Now they have that final coat of pavement you can see how they have been riding but since they finished it I haven`t actually seen anybody to actually stay within the yellow lines,"said Wayne Rice, Driver. This is the first roundabout in Southwest Missouri, but they are quite common in Europe. "I traveled all over Europe. This is not uncommon over there something they use about every place. big cities over there ,only thing they drove a lot faster,"said Gay Laster, European Driver. After talking to a few of the drivers,theres a few tricks to drive in the roundabout. Always bear to the right. Watch out for your yield signs,and use caution. Hopefully a few of these tricks will help you get safely to your destination. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the roundabout design reduces speeds and decreases the opportunities for crashes. Reported By: Brad Douglas