Roundabout Experience in Minnesota

Micah commented on one of my blogs asking how Minnesotan's are reacting to roundabouts.  At the time I said it wasn't much of a news story.  I stand corrected.  Here is a link from an article in today's Star and Tribune.  Highlights:

• Safety benefits of roundabouts are tracking national trends - mostly fender benders, not injury crashes.
• Motorists are somewhat confused about driving in roundabouts, especially two lane roundabouts.

This is great publicity, but we need more.  I wish the Department of Public Safety would undertake an education campaign on how to drive a roundabout. 

Tangent - I haven't been able to track down if roundabout driving is being taught in driver's ed classes.  Does anyone know if it is? 

Comments

[Micah Heckman]

I agree, I think an education campaign would be a great help. Experience driving roundabouts makes a huge difference. Although not an option for most drivers training locations, having a behind-the-wheel roundabout experience would be great for a young driver. It will become even more important as the number of roundabouts continues to rise.

[Micah Heckman]

I did some research investigating if roundabout driving is being taught in driver's ed classes here in Oregon and it appears as if it is. The Oregon Driver Manual 2007-2009 Edition has a section, albeit small, on how to handle a roundabout. This leads me to believe that it is taught in driver's ed classes. Here is a link to the ODM and the roundabout section is located on page 50. http://www.odot.state.or.us/forms/dmv/37.pdf

[Drivers Ed]

Hi,

Most states require that teenagers fulfill two requirements in order to get a driver's license: a classroom driver education program and behind-the-wheel driver training. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks
Jake.

[Learners Permit]

I can see that you put a lot of hard work on your blog, I’m sure I’d visit here more often.Great job, keep posting interesting articles here. All The Best