I don't mean to get anyones backs up here, but I can't help myself on this one.
Roundabouts are everywhere in the UK, granted, so I don't know any different. However, I've probably driven over 10,000 miles in the US and the things I've seen in only that short time have scared me. Some people seem to do anything but concentrate on driving, while driving. Lane hogging? Not indicating? Doing their make up? Drinking coffee/96 fl oz double 7/11 double gulps, eating, on the phone all at the same time?
Roundabouts serve a purpose solely to get people to concentrate on what they're doing. Add to that the traffic flow benefits they provide, not to mention fuel economy benefits. Why stop at a red traffic light when you can slow to 15/20 mph, see its clear and drive on without coming to a stop? Plus you can put trees in the middle to make them look pretty
They're awesome to ride around on a motorcycle, and if you have a powerful RWD car, in the wet they're good to get the back end out at a relatively slow, safe speed.
I found driving an automatic quite difficult, at first. So unnatural. Again, anything to get people to concentrate more on actually operating the car!
But I'm sure you'd all say the opposite and of course, as with everything, each to their own
One thing that confuses me is a rural road with a junction onto a highway/ US Route or SR with simply a T junction with stoplights. Why stop a whole 3/4/5 lane expressway to let a couple of cars out? Lazy planning and the fuel economy penalty is very heavy. Especially when everyone drives 5.0 V8 4 tonne pick ups...
Just messin...