The July/August 2008 issue of the Atlantic magazine has a very interesting article ( "Distracting Miss Daisy") written by author John Staddon, the James B. Duke professor of psychology and brain sciences at Duke University and honorary visiting professor at the University of York, U.K., and his opinion as to 'Why stop signs and speed limits endanger Americans". One section of his article states: "..when traditional intersections in the U.S. have been replaced by roundabouts, collisions have typically been reduced by about 40%, and fatalities by up to 90%". A very interesting read and an educated view on the inherent dangers involved in some U.S. traffic control methods.
Interesting. Perhaps there are more sideswipes and virtually no left-turn T-bones to reduce fatalities by 90%. OK, I'm in favor of the idea ! Now, is there any money to do this with asphalt and gas prices so high and an economic storm brewing ? Thought not...