What is a benefit of roundabout design compared to traditional intersections?

• A. Increased traffic delays
• B. Reduction in serious crashes
• C. Higher fuel consumption
• D. Increased lane width

Answer: (B)

Roundabouts offer a significant benefit in terms of safety, particularly their ability to reduce the severity and frequency of serious crashes when compared to traditional intersections. This enhancement in safety arises from the geometric design of roundabouts, which promotes lower vehicle speeds and minimizes the potential for head-on and T-bone collisions, common in signalized intersections.

Additionally, the continuous flow of traffic in roundabouts helps to reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions, which are prevalent in traditional stop-and-go traffic conditions. The circular design forces drivers to yield rather than stop, maintaining a steady movement that not only smooths traffic flow but also keeps interactions between vehicles at lower speeds, significantly decreasing the chances of fatal accidents.

In contrast, options that suggest increased traffic delays or fuel consumption contradict the efficiency that roundabouts are designed to provide. Roundabouts typically serve to optimize traffic flow and reduce overall delays, leading to less fuel usage. The mention of increased lane widths is also irrelevant to the inherent advantages of roundabout design, as the effectiveness of a roundabout is not contingent upon wider lanes but rather on its fundamental design principles that enhance safety and traffic efficiency.