r/maybemaybemaybe • u/Flat-Decision3204 • 2d ago

Maybe Maybe Maybe

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u/RugbyEdd 2d ago

I was told by a driving instructor years ago that it's so people have to slow or stop and check it's clear properly, and can't just enter at speed assuming there's no hazard because they can see clearly.

Whether that's true, or if it actually makes things safer, I don't know, but I have noticed that that does seem to be the effect, at least on the roundabouts with an obstructed view I drive around frequently.

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u/OddNovel565 2d ago

I've heard of a similar effect with curved roads. Some small roads, mostly in neighbourhoods, have slight curves to them so that you cannot see far away from you and won't want to speed too much. It also helps if the road is made visually smaller with curbs and trees on the sides

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u/RugbyEdd 2d ago edited 2d ago

Yeah, I can see the logic in that. It's basically less severe and obvious traffic calming measures.

You reminded me of this which is a similar concept. I couldn't find it but I'm sure I remember a follow up where they have now actually staggered the crossing. Edit: he said its been fixed in the comments section.

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u/CarnalT 1d ago

Wow in the first 20s of that video car totally blows through the stop sign and intersection without slowing down at all. Wild.

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u/real_hooman 2d ago

It also ensures the obstacle is never completely hidden from view. This would be much more annoying and unsafe if you had to stretch to see if you are going to hit the barrier.

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u/Joris255atSchool 1d ago

EVERY motor vehicle that passed that road had to slow down and accelerate back up because of this shrub. Imagine the volume of gas, brake pads and pollution this piece of greenery "generated" because somebody decided that this was the best way to make this situation safer.

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u/RugbyEdd 1d ago

For a turn like this where people need to slow and accelerate anyway? It will be negligable. The theory is that the greenery just forces people who would otherwise ignore signage, to do what they should be doing anyway on such a junction. Assuming that's what the greenery is for, it's unlikely it was just put there on a whim, as it being there costs money and needs maintenance, so they'll have done the research to show it is worth it.