Why Roundabouts?

 

SAFEST FORM OF INTERSECTION CONTROL AVAILABLE:

• 35% Reduction in total crashes
• 76% Reduction in injury crashes
• 81% Reduction in fatal crashes
• 30-40% Reduction in pedestrian crashes

Compared to signalized intersections, as published in NCHRP Report 572, Roundabouts in the United States, Transportation Research Board, 2007

 

WHY ARE THEY SAFER?

• Severe crash types nearly eliminated (no head-on, angle, and left turn crashes)
• Fewer conflict points (vehicles and pedestrians) (less conflict = less crash potential)
• Vehicle speeds are reduced through geometry (slower speeds = decrease in crash severity)
• Shorter pedestrian crossing widths (less time in street = less potential for crash)
• No ability to speed up to “beat the light”
• No red light running
• No left turn crossing conflicts (with pedestrians and opposing traffic)
• Driver’s attention is focused on the roadway, not up at traffic signals

 

EFFICIENT

• Keep traffic moving
• Shorter delays and queues
• Signals are much less efficient during off-peak times (waiting at red light with no conflicting traffic)

 

COSTS

• Cheaper than signals when planned with roadway reconstruction work and built within existing right-of-way
• Signals have added monthly electrical bills
• Signals have added maintenance costs (see below)

 

MAINTENANCE

• Little maintenance required (landscaping and signage only)
• Signals require annual inspections
• Signals require equipment repairs and upgrades
• Signals can malfunction and are subject to power outages

 

GREEN

• Less air and noise pollution (less stop and start)
• Less energy consumption (gas for cars and electricity from signals)
• Landscaping opportunities

 

HOW TO DRIVE SINGLE LANE ROUNDABOUTS:

• Yield to pedestrians at the entering crosswalk
• Yield to traffic inside the roundabout (look left)
• Yield to pedestrians at the exiting crosswalk

 

MORE INFORMATION:

• https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/innovative/roundabouts
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PINRPDCC7fI