An estimated 2,300 people are killed each year in accidents involving signalized intersections. Additionally, 700 people per year are killed in accidents involving drivers who ran or otherwise ignored a red light. Due to the risks involved with signalized intersections, it may be worthwhile to install roundabouts, which act to create low speed environments for drivers.
A roundabout is a circular road feature that is designed to reduce conflict among drivers. The drivers who are about to enter the roundabout yield to drivers who are already in the circular island. Traffic is then channeled through the roundabout in an effective and efficient manner for everyone using the feature. Ideally, they can be used to help drivers transition from high speed roadways to lower speed roadways.
In situations where a roundabout replaces a two-way stop, severe accidents can be reduced by up to 82 percent. That same area could experience a 44 percent overall reduction of traffic accidents. By replacing a signalized intersection with a roundabout, it may be possible to reduce severe traffic crashes by 78 percent and reduce crashes overall by 48 percent. Research has shown that a roundabout can have these effects whether they are placed in urban or rural areas. Furthermore, they can be effective regardless of how much traffic they experience.
Those who are involved in car accidents may suffer economic as well as noneconomic losses. For instance, a driver who is injured in a car accident may lose their ability to go to work as well as lose quality of life outside of work. Anyone who is injured in a car crash may wish to talk to a personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to win compensation for an injured victim to cover medical bills and lost wages related to the accident.
Source: Us department of transportation , “Proven Safety Countermeasures – Roundabouts“, December 10, 2014
