When considering Hartsville's proposed roundabout, traffic safety should be the only issue in play. Still, the discussion has become muddled. Put our lives and well-being first by supporting the roundabout.
Why is this important?
The SCDOT Highway Safety Office has identified the intersection of West Carolina Ave., West Home Ave., and 14th Street, as one of the most dangerous in the state, having an especially high rate of dangerous right-angle (T-bone) wrecks. They've proposed constructing a roundabout there, which would be funded primarily through federal money already set aside for traffic safety.
Roundabouts are proven to reduce fatal crashes by 89 percent. It’s the only solution with available funding. Some believe a traffic light would help, but that wouldn't prevent right-angle accidents. Others are concerned about construction or property rights. Those concerns pale in comparison to the ultimate issue: safety.
The roundabout will allow for more efficient traffic flow and create an impressive entrance to our beautiful town while also reducing deadly accidents there. Please put safety first and support the construction of Hartsville’s roundabout.
