Roundabouts are becoming more common in cities and towns around the world. While they may seem confusing at first, they are designed to help traffic flow smoother and avoid jams. Here, we’ll explain what roundabouts are, how they work, important roundabout rules, and how auto insurance may help you navigate certain driving situations.
What is a roundabout?
If you’ve driven through an American city, you’ve probably encountered a roundabout. Simply put, a roundabout is a circular intersection that can help with the flow of traffic. At the center of each intersection is an island, and vehicles typically circulate around it in a counterclockwise direction. When you enter the roundabout, vehicles need to yield first for passing traffic already inside. Once inside, drivers continue circulating until they reach their exit. Roundabouts may have single-lane or multi-lane roads, depending on the volume of traffic.
Unlike traditional intersections, roundabouts do not have stoplights or stop signs, allowing for continuous traffic flow. This can help reduce congestion as well as keep traffic moving, which is especially helpful during times like rush hour.
Benefits of roundabouts
Roundabouts may offer drivers several advantages, including:
- Accident reduction: One of the biggest benefits of roundabouts is that they reduce the chances of serious accidents. Studies have shown that U.S. roads that were converted into roundabouts have led to a general decrease in crash injuries and collisions. Due to the intersection’s design that can help slow traffic down, the chances of high-speed collisions are much lower.
- Efficiency: Roundabouts may help traffic move continuously without long wait times. These intersections typically don’t have traffic lights, which means less starting and stopping as well as shorter delays.
- Environmental impact: Since vehicles are not idling at traffic lights in a roundabout, fuel emissions may decrease. This can lead to less pollution and fuel waste, which is good for both the environment and your wallet.
Roundabouts vs. traffic circles
If you’ve encountered a circular intersection, you may be asking, what’s the difference between a traffic circle and a roundabout? Although both are circular structures, there are a few key differences. Roundabouts are typically smaller in size, with lower speed limits and tighter curves, which can help to decrease traffic speeds. Traffic circles, on the other hand, are usually larger and may have stop signs or yield signs, which can make them less efficient for driving. Roundabouts are designed to help improve traffic flow while traffic circles may cause more confusion and delays.
Roundabout rules of the road
When driving through a roundabout, there are several important rules you may want to know before entering:
- Yielding: Yielding to traffic in the roundabout can help you avoid accidents while inside the intersections. Vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way, so proceeding with caution and checking for passing cars can help you with a successful entrance.
- Signaling: You can use your turn signals when exiting or switching lanes at the roundabout to help inform other drivers of your intentions. This may alleviate confusion for passing vehicles.
- Speed limits: Following speed limits at the roundabout can help you avoid accidents or law breaking. Driving too fast may be dangerous, especially in multi-lane roundabouts where lane changes can quickly occur.
- Exiting: In a single-lane roundabout, there’s only one lane of traffic, which helps with making a simple exit. In a multi-lane roundabout, you’ll need to choose the correct lane depending on when you’re exiting. If you’re exiting later, you can stay in the left lane, while the right lane may be used for exits that are immediately ahead.
Driving tips for navigating roundabouts
If you’ve never been in a roundabout before, here is some useful advice that may help you navigate these intersections:
- Preparation: As you approach the roundabout, it may be helpful to reduce your speed. This action can help prepare you for entering the intersection.
- Choose the correct lane: If your exit is quickly approaching, you may want to stay in the right lane. If you’re going straight or taking an exit that’s further along the roundabout, you may choose to stay in the left lane.
- Avoid lane changes: Once you’ve entered a roundabout, it may be important to stay in your lane. Switching lanes too often may disrupt the flow of traffic.
Roundabouts are designed to help driving efficiency and lower accident probability. By following these rules and advice, you may be able to navigate these intersections with more ease and confidence.
Though these driving tips can help you reduce the potential of a collision, having auto insurance may help you avoid financial issues after a covered accident occurs. Depending on your policy, auto insurance coverage may help you navigate an array of stressful driving situations. At Infinity Insurance Agency Inc., we can help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget. If you have questions about your auto insurance options, call IIA today at 1-855-478-3705.