A new disturbing scam that takes advantage of the generosity of strangers has emerged, and one mother, Nancy Walsh, is sharing a warning that could sаvе you from getting yourself into trouble.
Her urgent message reads: “If you see a stroller, car seat, or any type of baby situation alone in the middle of nowhere, please, I repeat, don’t get out. Be safe.”
Of course, when noticing any baby equipment on the side of a road, our initial reaction would be to get out of the car and make sure no baby or child is in trouble.
Walsh, an estate agent, encountered this potentially alarming scene that might raise concern for individuals traveling alone.
She posted photos of an аbаndоned stroller positioned on the side of a country road. Her car appeared to be the sole vehicle in the area, and her headlights illuminated the pram, which was oriented away from her direction of travel, making it impossible to determine if there was anything inside it.
The stroller was positioned on a grassy verge adjacent to the road, which was flanked by large trees on one side. This kind of scenario might be particularly unsettling due to the isolated setting and the mysteries associated with the аbаndоned stroller.
According to Walsh, and plenty of other social media users, this is a trap. “Never get out. Always call 911 and let local authorities investigate,” one person wrote. “Yes, people lie in wait. At best they rob you, at worst they bash you too,” another added. “Families are struggling, some of them will use kids as bait,” some else commented.
This alleged scam is done in order for a person to get out of their vehicle and leave it unattended while they check on the stroller. The scammers then steal the vehicle, rob the person, or even hurt him physically.
However, there were also those who commented under Walsh’s post and said that some people leave baby stuff at the side of the road because they are still usable and they don’t want to throw them as someone might find them useful.
But most of them agreed that the reason behind these аbаndоned strollers is sinister. “Someone may have put it on for when someone gets off [the road] to see what happens…,” a person wrote. Another agreed, adding: “It’s a bait trap. don’t get out. Pull over. STAY IN THE CAR. Lock the door. And call 911 FAST.”
Walsh’s warning isn’t the first one issued on the same matter.
“OMG – I would be out of the car so fast to check, thanks for the warning,” one mother commented. “This is so cruel because they are targeting the best of us,” another person who said they would certainly get out and check if there was a child in dаngеr added.
The ‘аbаndоned baby’ scam is a troubling part of a broader trend of deceptive practices aimed at exploiting the goodwill of kind-hearted individuals. Other similar scams involve a person feigns being passed out on the roadside while others wait in ambush to аttасk those who offer help.
Some people shаrеd their personal experiences with such scams. “I pulled over to help a man passed out on the side of the road once. The police officer yelled at me and said it is often a scam and as a single woman I should be more careful,” one social media user posted. “I have heard of women screaming for help only to do the same thing. Just call the cops and move on,” another person warned.
Walsh’s post gathered plenty of attention and has been shаrеd 23,000 times.
No matter the urge to provide help to those we believe are in some sort of trouble, we should always be extra cautious and make sure we don’t put our own lives at risk.
What are roundabouts? A transportation engineer explains the safety benefits of these circular intersections
If you’ve been driving through U.S. cities and towns, you’ve likely noticed an increase in roundabouts replacing traditional four-way intersections. Some drivers embrace them as an efficient traffic solution, while others find them confusing or even intimidating.
But what exactly is a roundabout, and why is it becoming a preferred alternative to stop signs and traffic signals? Roundabouts are not just about traffic flow—they are a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly way to design roads.
Let’s break down what roundabouts are, how they work, and why they are considered one of the most effective traffic management solutions today.
What is a Roundabout? Understanding the Basics
A roundabout—also known as a rotary or traffic circle—is a circular intersection where vehicles move counterclockwise around a central island. Unlike traditional intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic lights, roundabouts operate using a yield-at-entry system, meaning:
✔ Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to vehicles already circulating.
✔ Traffic flows continuously, reducing congestion and unnecessary stops.
✔ Speeds are naturally reduced, leading to safer driving conditions.
Most roundabouts also include:
🔹 Splitter islands – Raised medians that help slow down traffic before entering.
🔹 Pedestrian crosswalks – Positioned away from the central island to increase safety.
🔹 Lane markings – Clear indicators help guide drivers into the correct exit lane.
The result? A smoother, safer, and more efficient intersection that reduces both traffic delays and accidents.
A Brief History of Roundabouts
Many people assume roundabouts are a modern innovation, but their history dates back hundreds of years.
Video : Roundabout Safety Benefits
- 1700s – Early versions of circular intersections appeared in Europe, particularly in England and France.
- 1800s-1900s – Washington, D.C. was designed with multiple traffic circles, inspired by European models.
- 1950s – The United Kingdom introduced the yield-at-entry rule, transforming roundabouts into the efficient system we use today.
- 1990s – The first modern roundabout in the U.S. was built in Summerlin, Nevada in 1990.
- Today – Over 10,000 roundabouts exist in the United States, with more being installed every year.
While roundabouts have been common in Europe and Australia for decades, the U.S. is now rapidly adopting them due to their proven safety and efficiency benefits.
Why Roundabouts Are Safer Than Traditional Intersections
One of the biggest reasons cities are replacing traditional intersections with roundabouts is safety.
1. Fewer Conflict Points = Fewer Accidents
A typical four-way intersection has 32 conflict points—areas where vehicle paths cross, increasing the risk of collisions. In contrast, a roundabout reduces conflict points to just 8.
This means:
✔ No head-on collisions
✔ No dangerous T-bone crashes
✔ Fewer high-speed impacts
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts can reduce serious and fatal crashes by up to 90% when replacing a stop-controlled intersection. Even when replacing a traffic signal intersection, they reduce serious crashes by nearly 80%.
2. Lower Speeds = Less Severe Collisions
In a roundabout, vehicles enter and exit at lower speeds (15-25 mph), compared to the higher speeds (40-50 mph) seen at traditional intersections.
Lower speeds lead to:
✔ Less severe crashes
✔ Fewer pedestrian injuries
✔ Easier decision-making for drivers
3. Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Roundabouts offer better protection for pedestrians because:
✔ Crosswalks are set back from the circular flow, allowing drivers to see pedestrians clearly.
✔ Pedestrians only cross one direction of traffic at a time, making crossings safer.
✔ Cyclists can either merge into traffic or use a designated bike path, depending on the design.
With these safety features, roundabouts significantly reduce pedestrian-related accidents compared to traditional intersections.
Efficiency: Why Roundabouts Improve Traffic Flow
Beyond safety, roundabouts are also more efficient than stop signs or traffic lights.
1. Less Waiting, More Moving
At a traditional intersection, cars must stop at red lights, even when there’s no cross traffic. In a roundabout:
✔ Traffic keeps moving – No unnecessary stops.
✔ Fewer backups – No long wait times during rush hour.
✔ Reduced driver frustration – No more waiting for a green light when there’s no oncoming traffic.
2. Eliminating Left Turns = Smoother Flow
One of the most dangerous and disruptive movements at an intersection is the left turn. Roundabouts eliminate left turns, forcing all vehicles to move in the same direction, improving:
✔ Traffic efficiency – No waiting for gaps in oncoming traffic.
✔ Driver decision-making – No confusion about when to turn.
3. Roundabouts Handle High Traffic Volumes Better
Unlike stop signs and traffic lights, which cause congestion during peak hours, roundabouts allow continuous movement, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
Environmental Benefits: How Roundabouts Help the Planet
Roundabouts aren’t just safer and more efficient—they also have environmental advantages.
1. Reduced Fuel Consumption
✔ Less idling at red lights = less wasted fuel
✔ Lower speeds = better fuel efficiency
According to studies, roundabouts can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, making them a cost-effective solution for drivers.
2. Lower Carbon Emissions
Fewer stops and starts mean lower emissions, helping reduce air pollution in urban areas. Cities that replace signalized intersections with roundabouts see:
✔ Less smog and pollution
✔ Improved air quality
3. Less Road Maintenance Required
✔ No traffic signals = lower maintenance costs
✔ Roundabouts last longer than traffic lights
With less infrastructure to maintain, roundabouts save cities money in the long run.
Challenges: Why Some Drivers Struggle with Roundabouts
Despite their many benefits, some drivers remain hesitant about roundabouts. Common challenges include:
🚦 Confusion about yielding – Some drivers don’t understand that they must yield to circulating traffic before entering.
🚦 Merging issues – Drivers unfamiliar with roundabouts sometimes hesitate, causing unnecessary slowdowns.
🚦 Exit mistakes – Some drivers find it difficult to choose the correct exit and miss their turn.
However, studies show that once drivers become familiar with roundabouts, their confidence improves significantly.
Video : Principles of Intersection Safety
Final Thoughts: Are Roundabouts the Future of Road Design?
Roundabouts are more than just a traffic trend—they are a safer, smarter, and greener solution for modern transportation. With their ability to reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and lower emissions, they are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to traditional intersections.
🚗 Safer roads, fewer accidents
🚗 Smoother traffic, less congestion
🚗 Lower fuel costs, reduced pollution
As more states adopt roundabouts in urban and suburban planning, they will likely become a permanent feature of America’s roadways.
So next time you approach a roundabout, embrace the change—it’s making our roads safer and more efficient for everyone!
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