This is Really the Most Roundabout Way...

Am I really the only one who has problems navigating through those roundabouts? I'm seeing more and more of these frustrating circuitous road  labyrinths that are designed to improve traffic flow, while presumably eliminating the need for signal lights.

There must have been studies done with convincing data that somehow proves these to be a more efficient means of moving traffic from to any given compass point without the use of stop signs, long waits for light signals to change or any sense of any definitive intersections.

I hate these roundabouts and I would really feel much better about hating them if I knew that I wasn't alone in this. Every time I approach these crazy car-ousels, I immediately experience a mild anxiety and a feeling of dread. I really don't like them. There is a Wisconsin cheese and sausage shop that we love, but it requires exiting from the Interstate and immediately navigating through three of these roundabouts consecutively to get to the destination. Now I must say that the very first time I did this I was completely baffled as to which lane I was to be in - the inside lane or the outer, who had the right of way - it seems everybody has a"Yield" sign. some drivers take a partial spin around the loop before catapulting off to their intended trajectory. Others drive almost completely around the circle to proceed in the opposite direction where they'd originally come. This would have been previously known as a simple U-turn.

Wherever it is people are going when looping through these roundabouts, they seem to do it purposefully and deliberately. I on the other hand feel apprehensive, tentative and rely heavily on my wife as a co-pilot: do I stop...should I let them go...is this the right lane to get over there? Even she acts as though I am severely, mentally challenged. I don't like those things! I must say that it helps having been through the same one a few times as I think it becomes easier when you know exactly where you need to end up. I think that's why most people appear to be very confident and assured while going through the roundabouts...it is familiar to most of  them. These people are so familiar with the course that they race through it like a silver ball in a pinball machine, while at the same time looking at me like I'm a problem, or worse, hazard to be avoided (which I probably am). I don't like them at all.

 I want to see more data on the effectiveness of these stupid things. I find it hard to believe that there are any less accidents since implementing these traffic circles then there were when there was simply a plain old fashioned intersection with traffic signals. Or maybe it is just me. I also feel overwhelmed when ordering from a drive-thru window at a fast food restaurant. Again, for most this is an efficiency, to me it is generally an anxiety-ridden means to getting something I'm not sure I really wanted in the first place.