As of 2014, roundabouts in the U.S. were safer than traditional intersections by which percentages?

A roundabout is also called by a number of different names including a circle, traffic circle, road circle, rotary, rotunda or an island. As shown in the picture, a roundabout is a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic is permitted to flow in one direction around a central island, and priority is typically given to traffic already in the junction.

Modern roundabouts were first standardized in the United Kingdom in 1966 and were found to be a significant improvement over previous traffic circles and rotaries.

Statistically, modern roundabouts in the U.S. were found to be safer for drivers and pedestrians than traditional intersections, based on a study with results reported in 2014. Roundabouts experienced 39% fewer vehicle collisions and 76% fewer injuries. The study was for a sampling of roundabouts, compared with the junctions they replaced.

In contemporary designs in the U.S., some larger roundabouts now take foot and bicycle traffic through underpasses or alternate routes.

Today, roundabouts are commonplace throughout the world.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

6 Comments

Player Dennis

Some roundabouts are very dangerous due them being too small, having obstacles blocking the view and pedestrian crossings being located in a hidden area.

Lynne Zeman

Hate them! There was a busy intersection in North Phoenix were city planners wanted to build one. The public was so against it they finally had to relent and revise the plans. The semi truck drivers were adamant that the roundabouts were difficult- even dangerous for the big trucks.

earlepg

Richard D. Boyle, Glad to see this. I have several relatives that live in and around Indianapolis.

Shelley Welch Dunivan

Richard D. Boyle, Hi Richard, I am very familiar with the roundabouts in Carmel Indiana as I lived in Fishers for a time and spent a lot of time in Carmel. I worked for a while at Earth Fare, on Rangeline. I loved all the roundabouts and how easy it was to get around. It definitely is the roundabout capital of the U.S.!

Richard D. Boyle

I knew this. I encountered my first roundabouts at the entrances to Cape Cod in 1961. I now live in Carmel, Indiana which with 140 and more on the way, is the “Roundabout Capital of the US.” I love them and virtually never see a stoplight anymore unless I need to go into Indianapolis.