Why are roundabouts proven safety countermeasures?

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Roundabouts, as their name suggests, are a type of intersection with a circular shape. Their geometric angle has a slowing effect, forcing drivers to operate at a slower speed that reduces the number of or the gravity of car accidents.

In comparison, traditional intersections have several straight crossing paths that often encourage drivers to increase their speed and run the red light, which can both lead to tragedy.

Per the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts lessen fatalities and severe injuries by 82% compared to two-way stop-controlled intersections, making them one of the agency’s safety countermeasures based on evidence.

Reasons that roundabouts are proven safety countermeasures

The FHWA reveals that roundabouts are one of its proven safety countermeasures to reduce deaths and severe injuries from head-on or T-bone collisions. They contend that roundabouts promote safety and operational efficiency because of their:

• Curved design that slows drivers down when approaching or navigating around the circular formation; slow speed also calms traffic, and gives more space and time to cyclists and pedestrians
• Reduced conflict points, where cars typically collide, due to the similar counterclockwise flow of vehicles around a central island
• Yield control or when drivers give right-of-way to those already in the circulating traffic

However, some critics still claim that roundabouts are more confusing than typical intersections. They argue that drivers tend to be unfamiliar with how to drive around them. For example, some drivers lose control and collide with the central island.

Thus, it will help if Michigan drivers learn the roundabout laws related to entering or exiting, changing lanes or using them with other road users in mind.

Safe design and responsible driving go hand in hand

Roundabouts show that road design can help combat deadly car crashes. However, even the safest road plan can still record deaths and serious injuries if drivers keep driving drunk, drugged or distracted. Thus, it will be wise for victims to consult their legal counsel about protecting their future from negligent drivers, who are not mindful of their actions’ repercussions.

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