Colehill: Middlehill Road Chicanes Cause Accidents?

By DomCar | Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 09:56

Colehill chicanes still court controversy.

Colehill chicanes can cause crashes?

Since the introduction of chicanes along Middlehill Road last year, residents have been complaining about their layout. Road users claim the chicanes have caused numerous accidents and near misses, and could possibly cause a fatality if something isn’t done quickly to rectify the situation. Right of way is given to the side that has the chicane, and the drivers have to go around the chicane relying on drivers coming in the other direction to stop, even though they have a clear run.

Am I the only one who thinks that reverse chicanes are a good idea? They’re clever because they make people think as they approach and these near misses only go to prove that most drivers don’t think while they are driving, especially on short journeys that become almost automatic. Not thinking, or paying attention while you are driving is the danger, not the reverse chicanes themselves. Not paying attention to what you are doing is what causes accidents and fatalities.

Don’t forget that Middlehill Road is home to schools, a nursery and a toddler group and as a parent I would prefer any road layout that makes road users think about what they’re doing.

Personally I have never found it a problem using the chicanes myself, but what are your thoughts on them? Do you think they’re dangerous, or are they doing their job?

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Comments

I agree, there are far too many arrogant drivers on the road. I noticed a couple of months back someone hadn't bothered to stop and had simply taken out all the signs and posts on one side, even being helpful enough to leave their bumper and number plate behind so the police could catch up with them.

By McAngry at 19:46 on 09/01/12
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IMHO It is the attitude of the drivers who feel that it is their 'personal road' that is the problem. There is another chicane caused by parked cars in Wimborne road close to it's junction with Beaucroft road. If you follow a simple polite rule that if someone is coming through or waiting when you arrive, then let them through, life is sweet. However the prevailing attitude seems to be "It is my right of way and I'm going to push through even if there isn't ant room for me. I know my rights'. Particularly so if you have a 4x4 or a BMW!
How sad!

By chezqui at 09:28 on 07/01/12
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IMHO It is the attitude of the drivers who feel that it is their 'personal road' that is the problem. There is another chicane caused by parked cars in Wimborne road close to it's junction with Beaucroft road. If you follow a simple polite rule that if someone is coming through or waiting when you arrive, then let them through, life is sweet. However the prevailing attitude seems to be "It is my right of way and I'm going to push through even if there isn't ant room for me. I know my rights'. Particularly so if you have a 4x4 or a BMW!
How sad!

By chezqui at 09:27 on 07/01/12
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I think Newshound has a valid point there, about setting of 10 minutes earlier than you need to. You never know what you;re going to get stuck behind.

By alfiebass at 12:57 on 04/02/11
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Chicanes are irritating and annoying but they make me slow down, consider my speed, and think about children/pedestrians/cyclists and other hazards on the road. I find 2 things make life easier as a driver - always leave 10 minutes earlier than you need to, and assume everyone else is a lunatic, that way you have a fighting chance of staying safe,

By Newshound007 at 21:50 on 03/02/11
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