Safety article for June 2025

Not sure about you, but every time I come to a traffic roundabout, my blood pressure rises.  There is a reason they call it “Suicide Circle” in Des Plaines, I do believe.  But, according to the IL DOT, a roundabout is a safe, efficient and cost effective way to move traffic.  And Carmel IN (home of the nation's highest number of roundabouts with 150), agrees.  Injury accidents are down by 80%, and overall accidents are down by 40%.  

Why Consider a Roundabout?

REDUCE CONFLICTS

Roundabouts reduce 32 conflict points from traditional intersections with traffic signals or stop signs, to only 8 conflict points, lowering chances of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes.

SAFER

Roundabouts are proven to be safer! Roundabouts require driving 25 mph or slower giving drivers more reaction time to other vehicles or pedestrians in crosswalks. Slower speeds reduce severe injury crashes.

EFFICIENT

Roundabouts are more efficient than traditional intersections!

Provide longer service life:

• Roundabouts = 25-year service life

• Signal equipment = 15-year service life

• Eliminate wasted time spent at red lights during off-peak hours

• Reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption.

SAVINGS

Roundabouts cost less long-term than traditional traffic signal intersections!

• Reduce road electricity and maintenance costs

• Less expensive to operate than traditional intersections with traffic signals

• Save communities money

Finally, here's a short video on maneuvering a roundabout from the Pennsylvania DOT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaTUugrMsdo

Paul Ziegenhorn