Editing 2842: Inspiraling Roundabout
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| date = October 16, 2023 | | date = October 16, 2023 | ||
| title = Inspiraling Roundabout | | title = Inspiraling Roundabout | ||
− | | image = | + | | image = inspiraling_roundabout.png |
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| titletext = Look, I just think we need to stop coddling those hedonistic roundabout hogs who get into the inner lane and circle for hours, wasting valuable capacity. | | titletext = Look, I just think we need to stop coddling those hedonistic roundabout hogs who get into the inner lane and circle for hours, wasting valuable capacity. | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | + | {{incomplete|Created by RUNAROUND SUE}} | |
− | A {{w|roundabout}}, a | + | A {{w|roundabout}}, also called a traffic circle or rotary, is a traffic control device that often serves as an alternative to stop signs, instead allowing for mere yields, as all traffic flows in the same counterclockwise direction around a central point (clockwise in left-hand traffic countries). |
− | Various roundabout designs have been proposed and used throughout the world. | + | Various roundabout designs have been proposed and used throughout the world. This comic proposes an "Inspiraling Roundabout" which spirals each entrance/exit lane inward, eventually leading all three roads to meet in the center. |
− | The caption states that it's | + | The caption states that it's [[Technically|technically]] navigable, since you can get anywhere on the roundabout without breaking highway laws, but that the Highway Department has vetoed it, presumably due to its complexity, impracticality, and the potential for inciting 3-way collisions. |
− | + | A few '''observations''' of this particular design (assuming [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left-_and_right-hand_traffic left-hand driving / right-hand traffic]): | |
+ | * To drive from one entrance to the next exit is '''easy''' and does not require entering the spiral. If you start at 12 o’clock, it’s easy to exit at the next exit at 8 o’clock. | ||
+ | * Driving to the '''2nd exit''' (e.g., from 12 o’clock all the way around to 4 o’clock) first requires entering the spiral, driving '''counterclockwise''' (normal direction for a roundabout) as you head inward to the center | ||
+ | * Exiting the spiral from the center means making six or more lane changes to the right in rapid succession to get to the outside-most lane and see the exit. Changing lanes too slowly will leave you stuck in a loop. | ||
+ | * It is not possible to continue driving forwards once reaching the center as you will start illegally going against the direction of traffic, in a clockwise direction. All traffic will be in counter-clockwise direction until reaching the center. The only way to avoid crashes is if everyone makes lane changes to avoid reaching the cetner. | ||
+ | * Inward-bound and outward-bound vehicles would use the same lanes, risking '''head-on collisions''' if even a few vehicles are using the roundabout at the same time. [[253: Highway Engineer Pranks]] also has a rotary that intentionally collides cars. | ||
+ | * When exiting back into the outermost lane and then turning into one’s exit, drivers must make a '''very sharp left turn''' to exit to avoid crossing the painted lines. | ||
− | + | Alternative methods to legally get from 12 o’clock to 4 o’clock (i.e., to the 2nd exit): | |
+ | * Exit at 8 o’clock, do a legal U-turn, re-enter, and then exit at 4 o’clock. | ||
+ | * If lane changes are allowed across dotted lines (which is typically what dotted lanes indicate), enter at 12 o’clock and then simply lane-change into the outermost lane near 6 o’clock. | ||
− | + | [[2728:_Lane_Change_Highway]] has a similar theme of changing lanes because the road is poorly designed. | |
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+ | The '''title text''' justifies this creative design by presuming the amusing existence of "hedonistic roundabout hogs who get into the inner lane and circle for hours," expressing Randall's frustration that we've been "coddling" them with normal roundabout designs that let them get off on circling in the inner lane for hours, wasting capacity. Of course, this is a non-issue {{citation needed}}. | ||
* In street racing culture, doing "donuts" -- circling a single spot at high speed to leave circular tread marks on the pavement -- is a popular pastime, but these drivers circle for a few rotations, not several hours. | * In street racing culture, doing "donuts" -- circling a single spot at high speed to leave circular tread marks on the pavement -- is a popular pastime, but these drivers circle for a few rotations, not several hours. | ||
− | * The | + | * The "coddling" of some population is a complaint sometimes seen in US conservative discourse, most famously as a criticism of modern higher education in the 2018 book, "The Coddling of the American Mind" |
− | == | + | ==Trivia== |
− | * | + | * Unlike inspiraling roundabouts, outspiraling roundabouts are a real thing, common across western Europe. They are known as "[https://g.co/kgs/51QWWt Turbo Roundabouts]", though the design usually features at least 4 entrances/exits. |
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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:[Caption below the panel:] | :[Caption below the panel:] | ||
:Even though it '''''was''''' technically navigable, the highway department vetoed my inspiraling roundabout design. | :Even though it '''''was''''' technically navigable, the highway department vetoed my inspiraling roundabout design. | ||
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{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
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