Benefits of Roundabouts
Roundabout Safety
Research in the U.S. has indicated that roundabouts experience lower crash rates than traffic signal or stop sign controlled intersections. (Source: Institute for Highway Safety;http://www.iihs.org/
Right-angle and head-on collisions are the ones seen most often at conventional intersections. These are the most serious accidents These types of collisions are nearly eliminated with roundabouts because all traffic is moving in the same direction at slower speeds.
Signage and pavement markings help aid drivers into, around and safely out of a roundabout.
Did you know:
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Americans 1-34 years old. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the total societal cost of crashes exceeds $230 billion annually.
Ongoing maintenance
Roundabouts are more economical than traditional intersections from two aspects.
First, in terms of operations and maintenance expenses--costs are decreased over time. Mainly due to the elimination of traffic signals less electricity is used. Estimations of cost indicate that roundabouts can save as much as $5,000 each year in electricity and maintenance costs. Plus when you are talking about a typical roundabout having a life of approximately 25 years--that adds up quickly.
Second, in terms of drivers, avoiding ongoing stopping and idling of vehicles can lower fuel consumption and air pollution from emissions. It also keeps neighborhoods quieter.
Efficiency of Roundabouts
Efficiency can be measured by volume of traffic and the average length of delay by a traffic signal.
How many times have you sat at a traffic signal when no one was coming the other way? This is not effective traffic flow.
With a roundabout, when there is room to enter, you're in and you're out. Everyone enters the roundabout and yields to traffic--keeping traffic moving at a safe and efficient speed.
Research in the U.S. has indicated that roundabouts experience lower crash rates than traffic signal or stop sign controlled intersections. (Source: Institute for Highway Safety;http://www.iihs.org/
Right-angle and head-on collisions are the ones seen most often at conventional intersections. These are the most serious accidents These types of collisions are nearly eliminated with roundabouts because all traffic is moving in the same direction at slower speeds.
Signage and pavement markings help aid drivers into, around and safely out of a roundabout.
Did you know:
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among Americans 1-34 years old. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the total societal cost of crashes exceeds $230 billion annually.
Ongoing maintenance
Roundabouts are more economical than traditional intersections from two aspects.
First, in terms of operations and maintenance expenses--costs are decreased over time. Mainly due to the elimination of traffic signals less electricity is used. Estimations of cost indicate that roundabouts can save as much as $5,000 each year in electricity and maintenance costs. Plus when you are talking about a typical roundabout having a life of approximately 25 years--that adds up quickly.
Second, in terms of drivers, avoiding ongoing stopping and idling of vehicles can lower fuel consumption and air pollution from emissions. It also keeps neighborhoods quieter.
Efficiency of Roundabouts
Efficiency can be measured by volume of traffic and the average length of delay by a traffic signal.
How many times have you sat at a traffic signal when no one was coming the other way? This is not effective traffic flow.
With a roundabout, when there is room to enter, you're in and you're out. Everyone enters the roundabout and yields to traffic--keeping traffic moving at a safe and efficient speed.
| Contact: | Department of Public Works - Operations Phone: (920) 832-5580 Fax: (920) 832-5570 |
| Address: | City of Appleton Department of Public Works - Operations 2625 East Glendale Ave. Appleton, Wisconsin 54911 Map |