Why are roundabouts considered safer than traditional intersections?

Roundabouts enhance safety primarily because they reduce the number of conflict points and lower vehicle speeds. In a traditional intersection, vehicles may face multiple potential collision points, particularly with cross traffic, which can lead to serious accidents. Roundabouts design minimizes these conflict points by allowing vehicles to enter and exit in a circular flow, effectively reducing the likelihood of head-on or high-speed collisions.

Additionally, roundabouts are designed to facilitate lower speeds as vehicles navigate through the circle, which contributes to a decreased severity of accidents that may occur. When drivers travel at lower speeds, they have a better chance to react to sudden stops or changes, which ultimately enhances safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The overall design encourages a more controlled driving environment, which is a key factor in promoting safer roadways.