Roundabouts have been proven to significantly improve safety compared to traditional traffic light intersections with similar traffic volumes. Key differences include:
- Fatalities: Roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by up to 90%. The circular layout forces vehicles to slow down, preventing the high-speed T-bone and head-on collisions that are common at signalized intersections.
- Injuries: Serious injuries are reduced by 70-80% at roundabouts. The slower speeds and fewer conflict points lead to fewer severe crashes.
- Overall Crashes: While overall crash rates are lower, with a reduction of 35-50%, the crashes that do occur at roundabouts tend to be minor, such as low-speed sideswipes or rear-end collisions.
| Crash Type | Traditional Intersection | Roundabout |
|---|---|---|
| Fatal Crashes | High (T-bone, head-on) | 90% fewer |
| Serious Injury Crashes | Common (high-speed impacts) | 70-80% fewer |
| Overall Crash Frequency | Moderate to high | 35-50% fewer |
| Typical Crash Types | T-bone, head-on, rear-end | Low-speed sideswipes, minor rear-ends |
In summary, roundabouts not only reduce the number of crashes but also significantly lower the severity of those that do occur, making them much safer than traditional traffic light intersections.
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