Americans Trying To Use First Roundabout In Town Is Terrifying To Watch

Aerial footage has provided a unique insight into the carnage that ensued when a roundabout was installed in a town in Kentucky. Watch below:

You see, roundabouts - while considered commonplace in the UK and Europe - aren't usually found in America, where they prefer things to be done in a straight line.

That means that when you drop a roundabout down there, people really seem to get confused as to how it works.

In this instance, authorities stuck one right over a junction in Rowan County, Kentucky. They probably didn't think that it would end up going as badly as it did.

In the video, which was shot by Walker Construction, cars can be seen taking the wrong exits, or sometimes even heading completely the wrong way around the roundabout.

It's tough for a piece of machinery to look confused, but when you watch the video, you'll see what we mean.

Furthermore, the drivers of the local area aren't happy about it, because they believe that the old four-way stop junction was doing the job perfectly.

To be fair, they probably have a point. Especially if this is the way they're planning to use the new junction.

This roundabout is the first to be installed in north-eastern Kentucky, and it seems like it could be the last, given how it has worked out.

A local called Jason Whisman told news outlet WYKT: "It's going to throw them for a loop. A complete 360. No doubt about it."

Walker Construction explained that they only shared the video in the hope of educating people how not to use a roundabout.

It's certainly good for that.

The plan is - according to KYTC - that the roundabout was installed because they are proven to be safer than the other types of junction, particularly in areas that are busy and see a lot of traffic pass through each day.

A transport official recently told local news: "We're looking at a way to reduce the severity of crashes that this intersection has a history of."

Another driver added: "I'm sure that it's going to take them a while to get used to it, but once they get used to it, I'm sure it's going to work very well."

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts cut down on crashes by 38 percent and fatal or incapacitating crashes by 90 percent, by significantly removing the chance of a head-on or T-bone collision.

They are also greener, as cars don't have to stop or start as much when using them.

So, it seems as though people on that side of the pond will just have to get used to them.

Featured Image Credit: Walker Construction

Topics: Funny, Interesting, US News, Weird, Cars

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim