Safety

Roundabouts may improve the safety of intersections by eliminating or altering conflict types, by reducing speed differentials at intersections, and by forcing drivers to decrease speeds as they proceed into and through the intersection. Though roundabout crash records in the United States are limited, the experiences of other countries can be used to help design roundabouts in this country. Understanding the sensitivity of geometric element parameters, along with the crash experience, will assist the designer in optimizing the safety of all vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and bicyclists.