A roundabout is a type of circular intersection. Road traffic flows in one direction around a central island. The priority is typically given to the vehicles that are already in the roundabout. They are far more common oversees than in the US. These intersections can be very intimidating for some drivers. Believe it or not, some people are afraid they will get stuck in a roundabout for hours like Chevy Chase in the movie ‘European Vacation’. Luckily, if you understand how they work and know about roundabout safety, these intersections will be easier to navigate.
Roundabout Safety: The Benefits
Safe Intersections
Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop sign or stop lights. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 75 percent at intersection that previously had stop signs or stop lights. In a roundabout, there are no lights to beat, and everyone is going in the same direction. Also, cars must yield when entering the circle, so traffic will be going at a slower speed. This means that if there is an accident, the severity level will likely be low.
At a four-way stop, there are 32 points where cars could intersect and crash. On the other hand, there are only 8 such points in a roundabout. Additionally, there are only 8 points where a car could hit a pedestrian in a roundabout. This is much lower than the places a car could hit someone at a four-way stop, which is 24. Roundabouts are much safer for cars and people than the typical intersections.
Using a Roundabout
Another important part of roundabout safety is understanding how they work. First, when you come up on a roundabout, you must yield to drivers that are already in the circle. Unless the rest of traffic stops, you should not stop once you are inside of a roundabout. If you are planning on making a right turn, get in the right lane immediately. Once you commit to a lane, stay in it. Do not keep changing lanes.
Also, be careful when driving next to a semi-truck or other oversized vehicles, as they have a large turning radius. Stay a bit behind large vehicles traveling in the lane next to you so that you do not get side-swiped.
While it is not as common to see a roundabout in the US as it is to see a stop sign or read light, they are a really safe type of intersection. Once you are familiar with roundabout safety, they become easier to navigate.