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Eight Common Myths About Roundabouts
A roundabout is just like a rotary.
Both may be round but they are designed to work differently. In a roundabout, vehicles have to slow down to enter. And, once in the roundabout, vehicles have to maintain a slower speed than in a rotary.
A roundabout may work in England or some other state, but they won’t work in Rhode Island.
There are already roundabouts on the ground in Lincoln and North Providence, Rhode Island and are working well.
Roundabouts aren’t safe for pedestrians because the traffic never stops as it does at an intersection with a signal.
Traffic DOES stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks that are at the slow-speed entrance and exit points to a roundabout. Unlike at the traditional intersection, pedestrians have a shorter distance to cross because traffic is coming from only one direction and there is a “safety island” where pedestrians can stop at the mid-point of the crosswalk. Rather than trying to cross four lanes in the short time allowed by a red light, pedestrians take their time and control their passage across the street, two lanes at a time.
Moving vehicles will not voluntarily stop for pedestrians at a roundabout.
Pedestrians are most vulnerable when traffic is moving fast – and speeds are reduced at roundabouts. At higher speeds it is more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians as their line of vision is more sharply focused on the road. And, it’s harder to stop when pedestrians come into view. The likelihood of serious injury increases as speeds rise. Drivers are far more likely to stop for pedestrians when their field of vision expands and eye contact with pedestrian increases as when driving at slower speeds.
A roundabout is more dangerous than a traditional intersection.
Roundabouts have an excellent safety record. At locations where roundabouts have replaced a traditional intersection, the severity and frequency of accidents has generally been greatly reduced.
Roundabouts won’t work on streets where there is a lot of traffic.
Roundabouts have successfully worked in the US at locations with up to 60,000 vehicles a day.
Roundabouts can’t accommodate large vehicles like trucks and fire engines.
Roundabouts ARE built so large trucks and fire engines can pass through them.
If roundabouts work so well, then they should be used everywhere.
Roundabouts are not always the best traffic design solution. Road conditions and use can vary widely. Some areas may be better served by a traditional intersection.
Learn more about roundabouts: Roundabouts Brochure
RI Dept. of Transportation Roundabouts Presentation (PDF) - More great info on roundabouts!