Roundabouts
Improved pedestrian safety and improved traffic flow:
Roundabouts are intersection treatments designed to improve safety for
pedestrians while allowing for a steady flow of traffic. Each one consists of
a raised, circular center island; pavement marking and raised “splitter islands"
to slow and direct traffic into a one-way counter-clockwise flow.
There is a "splitter island" at each leg of a roundabout. Pedestrians look
to their left for approaching vehicles before crossing the first travel lane.
They then pause at the island to check for vehicles that might be approaching
from the right. They then cross the second lane if all is clear. This is much
simpler than at a 4-way stop or signalized intersection where vehicles can be approaching from multiple directions.
Driving through a roundabout is easy:
Turn right to enter the roundabout. Travel around the circle in a counter-clockwise direction. Exit the roundabout by turning to the right out of the circle. Also remember:
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
- If an emergency vehicle approaches, immediately exit the roundabout, move your vehicle as far RIGHT as possible, stop until the emergency vehicle passes.
Benefits of a roundabout:
(as compared to a traditional 4-way signalized intersection)
- 75% fewer vehicle conflict points (8 versus 32)
- 90% fewer fatalities
- 76% reduction in severity of accidents
- 30-40% reduction in pedestrian-involved accidents
- All traffic moves in the same direction
- Provides a slower and steady flow of traffic through the intersection.
- Reduces wait times at the intersection
- Less idling = less gas wasted
- Less idling = reduced air pollution
- 30-50% increase in traffic capacity
- Lower maintenance costs