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The Many Benefits of Roundabouts

    2 minute read

    Roundabout Benefits

    There are a number of ways to control the flow of traffic in busy areas. The traffic light and four-way stop sign are probably the most well known, but another option offers many benefits too—the roundabout. If you have not driven on one on a regular basis, you may not realize exactly how beneficial these transportation tools are. Consider the following reasons why roundabouts are a good option for many high-traffic areas.

    Safety Benefits

    The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) conducted a study that showed that roundabouts are significantly safer than a traditional stop sign or traffic signal. In fact, this study showed there were 37 percent fewer collisions and a 90 percent reduction in fatality collisions. Why would this be the case? A few potential reasons may be:

    • Low travel speeds – Traffic will naturally move slower through a roundabout than it will through a standard intersection.
    • No traffic light to beat – With a traffic light, there is always the chance that drivers will try to “beat the light.” This isn’t an issue with a roundabout.
    • One-way traffic – In a roundabout, traffic moves in only one direction. This virtually eliminates the chance for head-on and T-bone crashes.

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    Speed Benefits

    Even though vehicles move slowly through a roundabout, the constant movement of cars means that on the overall, traffic flows more quickly. Since there is less stop and go, everyone gets where they are going faster.

    Cost Benefits

    The cost of building a roundabout is comparable to installing a digital traffic signal. However, the upkeep and electrical costs are much less expensive. Over the life of the intersection, the cost savings can be huge. This is very important in areas where the budget for public works projects is lower than ever before.

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    Space

    Though the space that a roundabout takes may be a bit larger than a traditional intersection, there will not be the large lineup that is often associated with a busy traffic signal. This can be very important in certain areas where there is not room for lengthy turn lanes.

    As you can see, a roundabout can be highly beneficial for a number of reasons. Make sure you understand how the traffic flow works so that you are prepared to react safely if you encounter a roundabout when you are behind the wheel.

    The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements, nor is it intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and the language contained therein will govern such policy. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.