“Roundabouts”
Roundabouts, rotaries, or traffic circles are on the rise in the United States. However, these common names refer to different things. The exact definitions according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and other information can be found here “Roundabouts: An Informational Guide.” With the increase in roundabouts being constructed in the U.S., more motorists are encountering and being puzzled by these circular intersections. In this blog, we will cover a brief history and reasons for roundabouts followed by the basics of maneuvering one.
Circular intersections were first created for an aesthetic purpose in London in 1768. They changed in shape and functionality across the globe as motor vehicles rose in popularity. The benefits of roundabouts can be seen in the safety aspects and traffic control, which is the reason for their popularity in modern times. Roundabouts reduce the speed drivers can take at intersections. This helps decrease full-speed collisions that can occur at intersections. Fatal collisions and collisions in general at roundabouts are cut down by 90% and 75% respectively. They increase the flow of traffic. The continuous motion, allows traffic to not pile up as much as traditional intersections.
Driving through roundabouts is not the daunting task many make it out to be if you follow some simple guidelines. The first thing someone must know is where they want to go. Do they need to go straight, right, or left? Then, look at the signage as you enter a roundabout. Many have signs telling you which lane to be in. Some roundabouts have bypass lanes that allow people who are turning right to skip the roundabout altogether. Roundabouts travel in a counter-clockwise function, so all of the traffic will come from your left. The modern roundabout uses yield signs as opposed to stop signs or traffic signals. When coming to a roundabout, slow down, asses the traffic coming around the roundabout, and proceed when the coast is clear. Once, in the roundabout proceed to your desired exit. Do not change lanes or stop when in roundabouts unless it is absolutely necessary. Roundabouts are not that complicated slow down, follow signage, yield to traffic, and enjoy going in circles.
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