The start of this school year has brought many new polices and expectations for students
at Gainesville High school. One of these important and primary changes to GVHS is the new traffic circle at the intersection of Wentworth Green and University Boulevard. While many staff and administrators would describe this new addition as an enhancement to safety and improvement to traffic flow, this roundabout has so far caused more traffic than cohesion.
With the increase of student drivers at GVHS, many students driving into school are unaware of the flow of the new roundabout. In effect, this has caused more issues in the flow of traffic arriving and leaving the school. With drivers not being about to yield to oncoming cars or misunderstanding when to merge, the congestion during arrival and dismissal has frustrated students, parents, and even bus drivers.
From a student-driver perspective, the roundabout is especially daunting. Unlike experienced adults who may have driven through dozens of traffic circles before, many GVHS drivers are navigating one for the first time. For students balancing the pressure of being on time for class with the responsibility of driving safely, the roundabout can feel like a test they were not prepared for.
While the roundabout has created early challenges, Gainesville High School officials and staff are encouraging students and parents to follow some simple steps to ensure success:
1. Approach Slowly
Reduce speed as you near the roundabout. Look for yield signs and pedestrian crosswalks.
2. Yield to Traffic in the Circle
Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. Wait for a safe gap before
entering.
3. Enter to the Right
Always enter the roundabout to the right hand follow the counterclockwise-traffic flow.
4. Stay in Your Lane
Do not change lanes inside the roundabout. Follow lane markings if present.
5. Use Turn Signals to Exit
Signal right as you approach your exit. Exit carefully, watching for pedestrians.
6. Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Yield to anyone in the crosswalks before and after the roundabout.
Though the adjustment has been rocky, the roundabout will eventually succeed in its original
purpose: creating a safer, more efficient traffic flow. For now, Gainesville High School
encourages students to stay alert, patient, and proactive in learning the roundabout rules.
With time, what feels like “just traffic” may finally become a true traffic solution.
