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As of 2023, there are approximately 9,000 roundabouts in the United States, and the number is increasing as hundreds more are being constructed each year. Florida has about 1,470 traffic circles, the highest of any state in the USA. However, this figure is dwarfed by France, which boasts 42,986 roundabouts—65% more than the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, the U.K. has the highest proportion of roundabouts in its road network worldwide!

The question is, why?

There are many important reasons why roundabouts, or traffic circles, should be adopted more widely than they currently are in the United States. In greater Estero, the Engage Estero team regularly receives messages from the public expressing concerns about safety on our roads, traffic congestion, and the increasing delays faced while navigating various intersections, where people often have to wait for two or more traffic light cycles to continue their journey.

Let’s examine the facts about roundabouts/traffic circles and their advantages.

Roundabouts are generally considered safer than traffic lights at intersections for several reasons:

1. Reduced Speed

• Roundabouts: Vehicles must slow down as they enter, lowering the likelihood of high-speed collisions.
• Traffic Lights: Drivers may approach traffic lights at high speeds, especially if they’re in a hurry, which increases the severity of accidents when they occur.

2. Fewer Conflict Points

• Roundabouts: have fewer conflict points compared to traffic light intersections. For example, vehicles in a roundabout only turn right (in countries that drive on the right) or left (in countries that drive on the left), which reduces the types of crashes (such as T-bone collisions).
• Traffic Lights: There are more potential conflict points at signal-controlled intersections, especially with left-turning or right-turning vehicles crossing the path of oncoming traffic.

3. Reduced Risk of High-Speed Collisions

• Roundabouts: Traffic flow is continuous, with drivers yielding instead of stopping, reducing the risk of accidents involving high speeds.
• Traffic Lights: Stopping and starting at traffic lights can lead to more rear-end collisions and potentially more aggressive driving behavior when the light turns green.

4. Pedestrian Safety

• Roundabouts: Pedestrian crossings are often set away from the circle, and vehicles travel at lower speeds, making them safer for pedestrians.
• Traffic Lights: At traffic lights, pedestrian crossings can be near the intersection, and vehicles may move at higher speeds when lights change.

5. Improved Traffic Flow

• Roundabouts: Since traffic typically moves without stopping (except to yield), congestion is reduced, and traffic flow is more consistent.
• Traffic Lights: Stop-and-go traffic can lead to backups and long waits, which can frustrate drivers and cause accidents.

6. Fewer Fatalities

• Studies have shown that roundabouts tend to have lower fatality rates than traditional signalized intersections. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that converting a signalized intersection to a roundabout significantly reduced fatal and injury crashes.

7. Driver Behavior

• Roundabouts: The design encourages drivers to be more alert and cautious, as they have to yield to traffic already in the circle.
• Traffic Lights: Drivers may be less cautious, especially if they are familiar with the intersection and know that traffic lights give them right-of-way.

Are there any negatives associated with roundabouts? -Yes!

The main problems are:

• Driver Confusion: Some drivers may be unfamiliar with roundabouts, leading to confusion or mistakes, especially in areas where roundabouts are not common.
• Space Constraints: Roundabouts require more land to be effective, so they may not be feasible in dense urban areas where space is limited.

Conclusion:

Roundabouts are usually safer than traffic lights at intersections, especially when it comes to reducing speed, minimizing serious accidents, enhancing traffic flow, and reducing congestion. However, their effectiveness can vary based on driver education, traffic volume, and the design of the roundabout. Another advantage is that roundabouts can be landscaped and turned into attractive road network features, unlike light-controlled traffic intersections!

Many people currently dismiss the idea too quickly. Engage Estero suggests that this solution deserves considerably more attention to enhance various aspects of our road system in greater Estero, including safety, congestion, and traffic flow, while reducing the stress caused by journey delays. When planners advocate installing a roundabout or traffic circle to improve a specific intersection, the primary advantages of enhanced safety, reduced congestion, and improved traffic flow for all road users must be promoted.

If unsure how to use a roundabout, click the Florida Department of Transportation link, which has produced a video. https://www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/roundabouts/index.shtm

Photo Credits: Florida Department of Transportation