Roundabouts are designed to replace intersections. Most drivers remember the first time they came into contact with a roundabout because navigating one can be particularly stressful. New Jersey drivers should know how to navigate a roundabout because there are currently 30 of them located throughout the state.
Traffic circles, or roundabouts, have been used for many years worldwide. The first traffic circle used in a highway system was built in New Jersey in the 1920s. Roundabouts are much more common in Europe than in the United States. Why are roundabouts used and not intersections? A roundabout is cheaper to build, safer overall, and makes the flow of traffic more efficiently than a traditional intersection.
To determine how a roundabout is safer than an intersection, you have to look at the number of conflict areas. A conflict area is where two vehicles could come into contact and have a car accident. A four-way intersection has 32 conflict areas, whereas a roundabout has only eight. This makes a roundabout much safer than an intersection.
What Are Roundabout Safety Tips?
Even though roundabouts are generally much safer than intersections, car accidents can still happen. There are specific rules that everyone should follow to travel safely through a roundabout. Here are some rules to follow when approaching and going through a roundabout:
- Speed is always a factor in accidents, so slow down when approaching a roundabout.
- Yield to oncoming traffic before entering the roundabout.
- Keep an eye out for pedestrians.
- Use your signal like you would at a traditional intersection.
- In a multi-lane roundabout, slowly get in the correct lane for your driving direction without making erratic lane shifts.
- Once you are in the traffic circle, do not stop; keep driving until the traffic allows you to transfer to the correct lane.
- Stay in your lane until you exit.
- Always use your turn signal before switching lanes or exiting the roundabout to let everyone around you know of your intentions.
Egg Harbor Township Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Can Provide Legal Guidance After a Roundabout Accident
If you have been seriously injured in a roundabout accident, one of our Egg Harbor Township car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm can help. Call us at 609-926-3300 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.