The city of Gilroy, California, is making headlines as it opens its first-ever roundabout.
But this is not just any ordinary roundabout - it's a 'turbo roundabout' and it's causing quite a stir among drivers.
While roundabouts may be a common sight in many parts of the world, they are still a relatively new concept in the US. So what exactly is a turbo roundabout and why is it causing so much confusion?
Baffling New Roundabout in US City
For those unfamiliar with roundabouts, they are circular intersections where traffic flows in one direction around a central island.
They are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents by eliminating the need for traffic lights or stop signs.
However, the concept of a roundabout is not as widely accepted in the US as it is in other countries.
In reality, The Simpsons even poked fun at Americans' lack of understanding of roundabouts in an episode where the family gets stuck on one while visiting the UK.
But now, the city of Gilroy has taken things to the next level by introducing a new 'turbo roundabout'.
This unique type of roundabout features segmented inner lanes that help keep cars apart while still allowing them to move around the roundabout.
It may seem confusing at first glance, but the idea behind the turbo roundabout is to force drivers to choose a lane before entering the roundabout, reducing the risk of collisions.
Some confusion and challenges for drivers
With its unusual design and multiple lanes, many drivers are struggling to navigate their way through it.
To make matters more complicated, Americans drive on the right side of the road, while the turbo roundabout was originally designed for countries where driving is done on the left side.
This means that drivers in Gilroy have to adjust to not only driving on the opposite side of the road but also navigating through a roundabout with multiple lanes. This has resulted in some drivers making last-minute lane changes or even getting stuck in the wrong lane and having to go around the roundabout again.
It's no wonder that many are feeling baffled and overwhelmed by this new addition to their city's traffic system.
First-ever Roundabout Causes Chaos in US City
The introduction of the turbo roundabout has caused quite a bit of chaos in Gilroy. Many drivers are struggling to adapt to the new traffic flow and there have been reports of near-misses and minor accidents.
Some residents are even calling for the roundabout to be removed, citing safety concerns and increased traffic congestion.
However, proponents of the turbo roundabout argue that it will ultimately improve traffic flow and reduce accidents once drivers become more familiar with it.
They also point out that the roundabout was specifically designed to accommodate the high volume of traffic in the area, which is expected to increase in the coming years.
