Roundabouts Are Smart, New York Drivers Are Not

Let’s talk about roundabouts, New York.

They’re efficient, they save fuel, and they’re practically engineered to prevent accidents.

They’re also completely wasted on New York drivers.

Case in point: the New York DOT put out a helpful “how-to” video OVER six years ago on navigating these circles of confusion, and it’s managed to gather a grand total of about 3,000 views.

Honestly, it might be time to make that DOT video required viewing—like, before anyone’s allowed behind the wheel.

Think of it as a rite of passage for mastering the ancient art of driving in a circle

This video spells out each step in excruciating detail: approach slowly, pick your lane, yield to pedestrians, enter the roundabout, and, please, do not treat it like Watkins Glen.

But from what I’ve seen, most drivers either freeze up at the entrance, waiting for some mystical invitation or blow through like they’re on a victory lap.

Then there’s roundabout expert Howard McCullough, NY DOT’s “roundabout design specialist,” who released a second video emphasizing all the genius perks of roundabouts. Even your DOT knows you're in trouble!

He's Talking To You. Not Me.

He mentions that they keep traffic flowing, save thousands of gallons of fuel every year, reduce harmful emissions by 20-30%, and prevent those life-altering crashes when people barrel through intersections at 50 mph.

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During power outages? Roundabouts keep traffic moving.

But these benefits seem lost on drivers who navigate roundabouts like Jack Torrance in a corn maze, just hoping they’ll find an exit before they lose their minds.

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Here’s the truth: roundabouts are smart, New York drivers are not.

Maybe one day New Yorkers will stop treating these circles like unsolvable riddles.

Until then, I’ll be over here, watching this circus from a safe distance, hoping the DOT starts handing out “Roundabouts for Dummies” manuals at every intersection.

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