Roundabouts have been synonymous with the European driving experience since before Ferdinand Porsche was in lederhosen. Europe has long used the circular one-way road junctions to move traffic efficiently through intersections without using traffic signals, and they're catching on in the United States with mixed reviews.
Roundabouts are circular intersections that move vehicles in one direction without signal lights. They are more efficient than a conventional intersection because traffic keeps moving without stopping for a light or sign. This ultimately alleviates the wait times, and risk, associated with conventional intersections. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, roundabouts decrease traffic injuries as much as 51 percent due to a 75 percent fewer "conflict points" between vehicles and the relative speed of traffic entering and leaving an intersection.
One of the latest roundabouts was built in Urbana, Ohio, northeast of Columbus. Some locals see it as a great way to alleviate the problems created by signals, but others worry it has motorists driving too quickly. Local Deli owner John Carmazzi told the Springfield News Sun the roundabout has cut into his business. Some customers, especially older ones, aren't stopping by because they're afraid to cross the large traffic circle. Other business owners feel that the roundabout may haven taken some business traffic away form their stores, but not enough to warrant its removal.
Opposition is much more widespread in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where an admittedly unscientific poll by Loma Colorado Library found most in town want to roundabout to go. A big reason for the disdain is people don't understand how roundabouts work or how drivers are supposed to use them. According to The Rio Rancho Observer, people have seen trucks almost roll over barreling through the roundabouts too fast, and some have even seen tire tracks suggesting people are going straight through them. And some people think roundabouts make driving more complicated because, as one man said, “you're not quite sure what the other guy's going to do.” Despite the mounting frustration, the town plans to build more roundabouts.
Although roundabouts are contentious, they're becoming a fixture for new community and transportation design. The reason is simple: when properly designed and correctly used, roundabouts are highly efficient at moving traffic compared to the conventional signalized intersection. Why? Because cars don't have to wait for a signal, but can proceed unobstructed.
A downside of roundabouts is that if they are not designed correctly for all modes, such as bicycles, the intersections can be dangerous. Blind spots from trucks can obstruct drivers views of cyclists that can lead to higher accident rates. Also, driver error can make the roundabout tough for uneducated users, think of Clark Griswold in European Vacation. Some states are being proactive about educating drivers and ensuring roundabouts are used properly. Wisconsin, for example, offers tips on its traffic safety website.
With endorsements from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showing roundabouts actually reduce accidents, it's clear they're here to stay. The question is whether Americans will come around to them.
Photo: Flickr / alex the greek