National Roundabouts Week Celebrates Safety and Efficiency of Modern Roundabouts

The third week of September has been marked as National Roundabouts Week by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This week is dedicated to emphasizing the advantages of modern roundabouts in enhancing traffic flow and minimizing accidents, which in turn reduces the likelihood of accident claims.

Roundabouts are circular intersections designed with yield control for entering traffic, islands on the approaches, and features that naturally reduce vehicle speeds. Unlike rotaries and other traffic circles, modern roundabouts have a distinct size and function. They are generally more compact than high-speed rotaries but are larger than neighborhood traffic circles that are primarily used to calm traffic.

Safety is a paramount benefit of roundabouts. Studies have shown that they can lead to:

• A reduction in fatalities by over 90%
• A decrease in injuries by 76%
• A 35% drop in all types of crashes

In addition to safety, roundabouts offer several other advantages. They help in reducing traffic congestion, cutting down on pollution and fuel consumption, and are often more cost-effective. Their design is versatile, making them suitable for various traffic conditions.

The significance of National Roundabouts Week, observed from Sept. 19-23, 2022, lies in its focus on safety. Roundabouts are especially vital at rural intersections, which are the sites for nearly 9% of all roadway deaths in the U.S. After the installation of roundabouts, there has been an 87% reduction in severe crashes and injuries. They have fewer conflict points compared to traditional intersections, ensuring a smoother flow of traffic. Vehicles at roundabouts yield to oncoming traffic, eliminating the need for stoplights or four-way stops.

Furthermore, roundabouts can be customized for rural roads, taking into account the safety requirements of larger vehicles like farming machinery and oversized trucks. They are also a cost-effective solution for rural regions, with smaller roundabouts costing significantly less than their full-sized counterparts.

In summary, the FHWA recognizes the potential of roundabouts in significantly improving road safety, especially at rural intersections, and aims to promote their benefits through National Roundabouts Week.