WILLIAMSPORT -- For months, Newswatch 16 has heard from drivers who are not happy about roundabouts popping up in our area. However, in Williamsport some drivers have a different outlook on the roundabouts there.
Newswatch 16 has talked a lot about the roundabouts in northeastern Pennsylvania, but in central Pennsylvania, in particular in Williamsport, there are three smaller traffic circles that have been in use for about 10 years.
If you have ever been nervous yielding at a roundabout or traffic circle you're not alone.
"We have a truck here, we have to make sure I’m yielding which way is he going to go," said Assistant Chief Tim Miller.
Newswatch 16 sat in the passenger seat as Williamsport’s Assistant Police Chief Tim Miller took us around the three roundabouts on Via Bella. It's a busy road near the business district and the interstate in Williamsport.
"Vehicles tend to drive a lot slower because they are not able to gain as much speed because they have to hit the next roundabout," said Miller.
About 10 years ago when the traffic circles were first put in, the assistant chief admits he was concerned, but there have been very few crashes.
"Are there headaches from the roundabouts? Other than the fact that I think people don't understand what a roundabout is. There seems to be confusion,” said Assistant Chief Miller.
"You are going around the turns like that. That's a little scary. You see the cars going up it's scary but I don't see no problem," said Charlotte Griffith from Williamsport.
The roundabouts in Williamsport aren't the only ones in Lycoming County. There is one by the mall near Muncy too. Drivers we spoke with say they are pretty used to them and some people tell us they even like them.
"I love them I love you know you don't have to stop at any red lights and you just keep going through town. Matter of fact it’s the quickest way to get home," said Wanda Ketchum from Montoursville.
"I think people are pretty much used to them and they know if they are in the roundabout they have got the right away,” said Sarah Williams from Salladasburg.
"I don't see why they would be upset it's you have got them everywhere. I don't see why they would be upset. It's just another road," said Chad Ebner.
As for the newer roundabouts in the Avoca area Assistant Chief Miller has this advice: give it some time and have a little patience. He thinks it will get easier and will be safer for drivers.