WHAT'S A ROUNDABOUT?
A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection without traffic signal equipment in which traffic flows around a center island.
Unlike traffic circles from years ago, a modern roundabout provides safe and efficient traffic flow. It operates with yield control at the entry points and gives priority to vehicles within the roundabout.
WHY BUILD A ROUNDABOUT INSTEAD OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL?
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Diagram of a typical
roundabout
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| Compared to standard intersections, there are fewer conflict points in a roundabout |
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| (Above) Traditional Intersection has 32 conflict points (Below) Modern roundabouts have 16 conflict points. Accidents in roundabouts are typically minor due to slower speeds and indirect conflict points. |
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ROUNDABOUTS MOVE TRAFFIC SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY THROUGH AN INTERSECTION BECAUSE OF:
- Slower speeds
- Fewer conflict points
- Easy decision-making
STUDIES SHOW THAT ROUNDABOUTS PROVIDE A:
- 90% reduction in fatal crashes
- 75% reduction in injury crashes
- 30 to 40% reduction in pedestrian crashes
- 10% reduction in bicycle crashes
SLOWER VEHICLE SPEEDS MEAN:
- Drivers have more time to judge and react
- Easier to use for older and beginner drivers
- Reduction in the severity of accidents
- Pedestrians are safer
EFFICIENT TRAFFIC FLOW:
- Traffic always on the move-less delay
- 30 to 50% increase in traffic capacity
OTHER BENEFITS:
- Reduction in pollution and fuel use
- Less noise due to fewer stops and starts
- No signal equipment to install and repair
- Provides traffic calming
- Improves visual quality and character through aesthetic landscaping
Because of this, the federal government and state governments across the United States are beginning to implement hundreds of roundabout intersections. The National Institute for Highway Safety is also a proponent of roundabouts because statistics show they are safer than traditional intersections.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
RICHFIELD ROUNDABOUTS