Earlier this month, the Bee looked into why Modesto has more roundabouts than other Central Valley cities including Fresno, Stockton, Merced and Sacramento. We found that Modesto’s roundabouts — 41 and growing — aim to increase safety, efficiency and aesthetics on the road.
Despite evidence that roundabouts do make the roads safer and reduce serious accidents, they are a polarizing issue in many communities.
Multiple studies indicate that drivers initially are skeptical or opposed to roundabouts but become more supportive as time passes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Older drivers have also been found to be less supportive of roundabouts than younger drivers…