Anyone who has traveled to Europe understands the convenience of driving without traffic lights and the improvement in traffic flow. Cities all over the US are beginning to convert traditional unsafe red light camera intersections to roundabouts for several reasons. Converting traditional red light camera intersections to roundabouts eliminates the need for traffic signals as well as cameras and has many benefits listed below. It has been reported that conversion of traditional intersections to roundabouts reduces fatal crashes by 81-90 percent, injury crashes by 25-87 percent, and overall crashes by 37-61 percent. However, it is not feasible to replace every traffic light with a roundabout, and not every intersection is appropriate for a roundabout. Ready more about roundabouts saving lives.
- Up to a 90% reduction in fatalities, 76% reduction in injury crashes, 30-40% reduction in pedestrian crashes
- Reduces the severity of crashes
- 75% fewer conflict points than four way intersections
- Drivers have more time to judge and react to other cars or pedestrians
- Slower vehicle speeds (under 30 mph)
- Efficient traffic flow 30-50% increase in traffic capacity
- Improved traffic flow for intersections that handle a high number of left turns
- No signal equipment to install and repair savings estimated at an average of $5,000 per year in electricity and maintenance costs
- Service life of a roundabout is 25 years (vs. the 10-year service life of signal equipment)
- Aesthetic landscaping