Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous quote from his first Inaugural Address, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” was meant to stir a nation. The grim reality was that the U.S. had to pull itself out of the depths of the depression.
Industry was in shambles, property values had shrunk, people were starving on their farms as the dust bowl blew away the top soil.
But the sentiment – don’t let fear override good decisions, good choices – is apropos on any day, even when the choice is something as simple as fixing a road problem.
So, hang tough, Kyle council members, as you go forward with the plans for the traffic roundabout at the corner of FM 1626 (Kyle Parkway) and Kohler’s Crossing.
Because, if you read between the lines on the comments posted by readers on the Hays Free Press website on this subject, you would think that everyone in this area is fearful of such an innovation.
But that’s simply not so.
Let’s face it. In the real world, as in cyberspace, the “antis” are the ones who voice their opinions, while those who like something just nod in agreement.
In retail stores, rarely do workers hear “I like that” or “good job.” But, woe to the worker who gets caught by a disgruntled or angry shopper. Because the negative always gets voiced, while the positive is just a silent smile.
So it is with the proposed roundabout. There has been some vitriolic voicing about the stupidity of the idea. There are people ranting about the possibilities of wrecks, or fears about teenagers learning to drive around the ‘circle.’
But fear tends to drive a lot of those voices. Fear of the unknown, fear of change.
Statistics show that roundabouts slow down traffic and keep it moving at a steady pace. Facts show that any wrecks that might occur are much less damaging.
Those who have lived in regions of the country with true roundabouts tend to like them. Ask someone who has lived on the east coast or in England or the continental Europe. They talk about the ease of a circle – once you get over the fear of driving around one.
Another complaint is the cost. Yes, initially, the cost of the roundabout will be higher than a traffic light. But looking long term, looking down the road five, ten or 20 years from now, Kyle will find savings on this roundabout. Because – again the facts – traffic lights are more costly to maintain than circles.
Kudos to the person in the Texas Department of Transportation who came up with this progressive idea. Let’s face it, TxDOT is not known for its progressive thoughts. This solution to an already dangerous intersection (think of the number of deaths that have occurred at this intersection from head-on collisions) is welcome. When the Austin Community College campus opens at the same intersection next year, there will be even more traffic, more people jumping the gun out of turn, more drivers flying at high speeds “trying to beat the light.”
With a roundabout, you have to slow down, you don’t meet other drivers head-on.
So, hang in there, Kyle council. Stick to your guns. You have more people supporting you in this endeavor than you know.
