Proven Safety Countermeasures | Intersections

10. Roundabouts

Roundabouts

Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersection to a Roundabout
82%
Reduction in severe crashes

Signalized Intersection to a Roundabout
78%
Reduction in severe crashes

Source: Highway Safety Manual

The modern roundabout is a type of circular intersection configuration that safely and efficiently moves traffic through an intersection. Roundabouts feature channelized approaches and a center island that results in lower speeds and fewer conflict points. At roundabouts, entering traffic yields to vehicles already circulating, leading to improved operational performance.

Source: FHWA

Roundabouts provide substantial safety and operational benefits compared to other intersection types, most notably a reduction in severe crashes.

Roundabouts can be implemented in both urban and rural areas under a wide range of traffic conditions. They can replace signals, two-way stop controls, and all-way stop controls. Roundabouts are an effective option for managing speed and transitioning traffic from high-speed to low-speed environments, such as freeway interchange ramp terminals, and rural intersections along high-speed roads.

Source: FHWA

FHWA encourages agencies to consider roundabouts during new construction and reconstruction projects as well as for existing intersections that have been identified as needing safety or operational improvements.

https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures.

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