Saint Mary's County officials advocate for roundabout over traffic signals for safety

Traffic safety took center stage at the St. Mary's County Planning Commission meeting, with officials emphasizing the urgent need for improved signalization and potential roundabouts to address growing concerns about public safety on local roads.

During the discussions, a representative highlighted the effectiveness of Australian software in mirroring local driving habits, suggesting that proactive measures are essential before traffic conditions worsen. The conversation underscored the importance of collaboration among developers, the county, and state authorities to ensure that traffic solutions are implemented in a timely manner.

Concerns were raised about the state’s criteria for traffic light installations, which may not align with local perceptions of safety. The representative stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to traffic management, advocating for roundabouts as a safer alternative to traditional traffic signals. "Roundabouts are very effective at reducing the opportunity for fatal accidents and severe accidents," they noted, pointing out that while roundabouts may serve well initially, there could be a need for signals as traffic volumes increase.

The meeting concluded with a call for more engagement from state representatives to facilitate quicker decision-making and ensure that the right information is available for future planning. The commission remains committed to addressing these critical safety issues as they move forward.