4-Way stop signs have been around longer then I've been on this Earth, but I feel they are long overdue for retirement.

The other day, on the way home from a long day at school, the traffic from the 4-Way stop off my road was unreal. I kid you not when I say the traffic from that stop sign was backed up two miles all the way to the traffic light. I understand 5 o'clock traffic, but this was just baffling to see. If you're like me, and live off a busy road, a 4-way is just completely unnecessary. I'm not suggesting taking it away and letting traffic run a muck, no. The times are such that people are on the road constantly and nothing is more troublesome than waiting your turn in line. Yes, we all have that impatience in us. Even yours truly. My suggestion for this issue is a roundabout.

4-Way, All-Way, or Multi-Way stop (whichever you prefer to call it) is not only a traffic issue. Driver's mistreatment of the 4-way stop has resulted in close encounters of the wrong kind. On many occasions I have witnessed drivers doing the infamous rolling stop, cutting off drivers, cheating in line, and even sitting idle. If no driver can properly use these, why should we use them? These stops have not only created rude behavior in drivers, but resulted in accidents or near-misses.

Roundabouts seem like the perfect solution to this ongoing problem. Every driver gets a fair turn and the yields help to keep traffic moving at a slower and safer pace. The concept behind these circular drives makes for smoother and less congested traffic. Statistics on several state's DoT (Department of Transportation) sites show how roundabouts have decreased accidents up to 78%, versus intersections with signs and traffic lights. Several studies have proved their overall safety and functionality with keeping traffic running smoothly even on urban and rural highways.

If what the DoT says regarding roundabouts doesn't convince you, I guess I can't either. Cast your vote today in the comment section below!

Enjoy and stay safe! :)

xoxo