Roundabouts can provide numerous benefits over traditional intersections and have quickly become a regular sight around Florida. What do you think are some advantages of roundabouts? Take this quiz to test your knowledge.
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Studies by the Federal Highway Administration have found that roundabouts can increase traffic capacity by 30 percent compared to traditional intersections.
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Roundabouts are typically safer for pedestrians since they only have to cross one direction of traffic at a time. Crossing distances are relatively short and traffic speeds are lower than at traditional intersections.
Not only do crashes in a roundabout result in fewer fatalities, but they also cause 75% fewer injuries. A roundabout’s design reduces crash severity by requiring approaching vehicles to slow down before entering the intersection. Left-hand, right-angle (T-bone), and head-on crashes are virtually eliminated.
A typical four-legged roundabout only has eight vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points, while a typical four-legged traditional intersection has 32 vehicle-to-vehicle conflict points. Fewer conflict points mean fewer opportunities for a crash to occur.