A few additional signs may be added to increase drivers understanding of roundabout rules. Mayor Brainard originally chose to use roundabouts instead of traditional traffic signals for cost savings as well as for improved safety and traffic flow. A recent report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has further affirmed Mayor Brainard s belief in the safeness of roundabouts as opposed to traffic signals. The study reported an 18 percent increase in fatal crashes at traffic signals between 1992 and 1998. Most of the fatalities were the result of motorists running red lights.
Roundabouts are safer because traffic flows through at a moderate speed.
According to their research, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that more than 800 people die, and over 200,000 are injured each year in crashes that involve red light running. As these numbers continue to rise, the use of roundabouts is becoming more common throughout the country. By exercising patience and awareness, drivers can learn to navigate them easily. All approaching traffic must yield to traffic on the roundabout. As you approach the roundabout, choose the appropriate lanes for turning right, going straight or turning left.