What are roundabouts? A transportation engineer explains the safety benefits of these circular intersections

If you’ve been driving through U.S. cities and towns, you’ve likely noticed an increase in roundabouts replacing traditional four-way intersections. Some drivers embrace them as an efficient traffic solution, while others find them confusing or even intimidating.

But what exactly is a roundabout, and why is it becoming a preferred alternative to stop signs and traffic signals? Roundabouts are not just about traffic flow—they are a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly way to design roads.

Let’s break down what roundabouts are, how they work, and why they are considered one of the most effective traffic management solutions today.

What is a Roundabout? Understanding the Basics

roundabout—also known as a rotary or traffic circle—is a circular intersection where vehicles move counterclockwise around a central island. Unlike traditional intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic lights, roundabouts operate using a yield-at-entry system, meaning:

✔ Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to vehicles already circulating.
✔ Traffic flows continuously, reducing congestion and unnecessary stops.
✔ Speeds are naturally reduced, leading to safer driving conditions.

Most roundabouts also include:

🔹 Splitter islands – Raised medians that help slow down traffic before entering.
🔹 Pedestrian crosswalks – Positioned away from the central island to increase safety.
🔹 Lane markings – Clear indicators help guide drivers into the correct exit lane.

The result? A smoother, safer, and more efficient intersection that reduces both traffic delays and accidents.

A Brief History of Roundabouts

Many people assume roundabouts are a modern innovation, but their history dates back hundreds of years.

Video : Roundabout Safety Benefits

  • 1700s – Early versions of circular intersections appeared in Europe, particularly in England and France.
  • 1800s-1900s – Washington, D.C. was designed with multiple traffic circles, inspired by European models.
  • 1950s – The United Kingdom introduced the yield-at-entry rule, transforming roundabouts into the efficient system we use today.
  • 1990s – The first modern roundabout in the U.S. was built in Summerlin, Nevada in 1990.
  • Today – Over 10,000 roundabouts exist in the United States, with more being installed every year.

While roundabouts have been common in Europe and Australia for decades, the U.S. is now rapidly adopting them due to their proven safety and efficiency benefits.

Why Roundabouts Are Safer Than Traditional Intersections

One of the biggest reasons cities are replacing traditional intersections with roundabouts is safety.

1. Fewer Conflict Points = Fewer Accidents

typical four-way intersection has 32 conflict points—areas where vehicle paths cross, increasing the risk of collisions. In contrast, a roundabout reduces conflict points to just 8.

This means:

✔ No head-on collisions
✔ No dangerous T-bone crashes
✔ Fewer high-speed impacts

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts can reduce serious and fatal crashes by up to 90% when replacing a stop-controlled intersection. Even when replacing a traffic signal intersection, they reduce serious crashes by nearly 80%.

2. Lower Speeds = Less Severe Collisions

In a roundabout, vehicles enter and exit at lower speeds (15-25 mph), compared to the higher speeds (40-50 mph) seen at traditional intersections.

Lower speeds lead to:

✔ Less severe crashes
✔ Fewer pedestrian injuries
✔ Easier decision-making for drivers

3. Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Roundabouts offer better protection for pedestrians because:

✔ Crosswalks are set back from the circular flow, allowing drivers to see pedestrians clearly.
✔ Pedestrians only cross one direction of traffic at a time, making crossings safer.
✔ Cyclists can either merge into traffic or use a designated bike path, depending on the design.

With these safety features, roundabouts significantly reduce pedestrian-related accidents compared to traditional intersections.

Efficiency: Why Roundabouts Improve Traffic Flow

Beyond safety, roundabouts are also more efficient than stop signs or traffic lights.

1. Less Waiting, More Moving

At a traditional intersection, cars must stop at red lights, even when there’s no cross traffic. In a roundabout:

✔ Traffic keeps moving – No unnecessary stops.
✔ Fewer backups – No long wait times during rush hour.
✔ Reduced driver frustration – No more waiting for a green light when there’s no oncoming traffic.

2. Eliminating Left Turns = Smoother Flow

One of the most dangerous and disruptive movements at an intersection is the left turn. Roundabouts eliminate left turns, forcing all vehicles to move in the same direction, improving:

✔ Traffic efficiency – No waiting for gaps in oncoming traffic.
✔ Driver decision-making – No confusion about when to turn.

3. Roundabouts Handle High Traffic Volumes Better

Unlike stop signs and traffic lights, which cause congestion during peak hours, roundabouts allow continuous movement, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Environmental Benefits: How Roundabouts Help the Planet

Roundabouts aren’t just safer and more efficient—they also have environmental advantages.

1. Reduced Fuel Consumption

✔ Less idling at red lights = less wasted fuel
✔ Lower speeds = better fuel efficiency

According to studies, roundabouts can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, making them a cost-effective solution for drivers.

2. Lower Carbon Emissions

Fewer stops and starts mean lower emissions, helping reduce air pollution in urban areas. Cities that replace signalized intersections with roundabouts see:

✔ Less smog and pollution
✔ Improved air quality

3. Less Road Maintenance Required

✔ No traffic signals = lower maintenance costs
✔ Roundabouts last longer than traffic lights

With less infrastructure to maintain, roundabouts save cities money in the long run.

Challenges: Why Some Drivers Struggle with Roundabouts

Despite their many benefits, some drivers remain hesitant about roundabouts. Common challenges include:

🚦 Confusion about yielding – Some drivers don’t understand that they must yield to circulating traffic before entering.
🚦 Merging issues – Drivers unfamiliar with roundabouts sometimes hesitate, causing unnecessary slowdowns.
🚦 Exit mistakes – Some drivers find it difficult to choose the correct exit and miss their turn.

However, studies show that once drivers become familiar with roundabouts, their confidence improves significantly.

Video : Principles of Intersection Safety

Final Thoughts: Are Roundabouts the Future of Road Design?

Roundabouts are more than just a traffic trend—they are a safer, smarter, and greener solution for modern transportation. With their ability to reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and lower emissions, they are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to traditional intersections.

🚗 Safer roads, fewer accidents
🚗 Smoother traffic, less congestion
🚗 Lower fuel costs, reduced pollution

As more states adopt roundabouts in urban and suburban planning, they will likely become a permanent feature of America’s roadways.

So next time you approach a roundabout, embrace the change—it’s making our roads safer and more efficient for everyone!

NBA player R.J. Hampton has confessed in a new video that he hurt the mother of his child, leaving bruises. This admission has come as a big shock to many.

NBA G League player R.J. Hampton admitted on video that he left “bruises” on his ex, Tiffany Jeffcoat, who is the mother of his child.

On Monday, Jeffcoat, who has over 1.5 million followers on TikTok, posted a video of herself confronting Hampton. She said he was trying to take their 1-year-old son, Halo, from her while they were traveling.

In the video, Hampton can be heard yelling at Jeffcoat, saying, “Shut the f–k up talking to me, b–ch! Please!” as their son climbed near his feet. Hampton also said, “I don’t care if you got me on recording. I could care less.”

On Monday, the influencer shared a video of herself confronting the NBA first-round draft pick, claiming he was trying to “take” away their 1-year-old son, Halo.
tiff.jeffcoat/TikTok

Hampton, 23, said he was “afraid” Jeffcoat would accuse him of abusing her when he took their son.

Jeffcoat responded by reminding him that he had hurt her before. Hampton, who is 6-foot-4, got angry and told her, “Get the f–k outta here with that stupid stuff.”

She then reminded him that she has pictures of the bruises he allegedly left on her arms. Hampton seemed unbothered, saying no one would “care.”

Jeffcoat told him, “But they came from your hands.” Hampton responded, “Of course they did. Did I punch you? Did I slap you? So shut the f–k up!”

“Shut the f–k up talking to me, bitch! Please!” Hampton told his ex, as their son climbed stairs near his dad’s feet.
tiff.jeffcoat/TikTok
Jeffcoat told Hampton that she has pictures of the bruises he allegedly left on her arms but the Delaware Blue Coats player said no one was “going to care” about the marks.
tiff.jeffcoat/TikTok

Jeffcoat replied, “Just because you didn’t punch me doesn’t mean it’s okay. Wow.”

Hampton also insulted her mom, saying he didn’t care if his son’s grandmother was “dead or alive.”

In another TikTok video, Jeffcoat said she was “stranded” in Oklahoma with “no hotel, no car” and claimed Hampton took their son from her.

She said, “R.J. literally grabbed Halo off the ground, walked out, got in the car, and left. He didn’t tell me where they were going… didn’t take any of his stuff. He’s not allowed to do that.”

In another TikTok post, Jeffcoat claimed she was “stranded” in Oklahoma “with no hotel, no car” and alleged that Hampton took their son from her.
tiff.jeffcoat/TikTok
“R.J. literally snatched Halo off the ground, walked out, hopped in the car and left,” she claimed.
tiff.jeffcoat/TikTok

Jeffcoat said she called the police, but they couldn’t help because it was “a civil matter.”

Page Six tried to contact Hampton’s representative for a comment but didn’t get a response right away.

Not much is known about Hampton’s relationship with Jeffcoat.

After Jeffcoat’s video went viral, Hampton turned off the comments on his Instagram.

The influencer said she contacted the police but they could not help because it was “a civil matter.”
tiff.jeffcoat/TikTok
In August, Hampton celebrated his son’s first birthday with a sweet post on Instagram
rj14/Instagram

Hampton was picked by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 24th pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

In September, he was traded to the Delaware Blue Coats, a team in the NBA’s G League.

In August, Hampton celebrated his son’s first birthday with a sweet post on Instagram.

He wrote, “Mr. Freaking Halo Man!! Bubs I can’t believe you are 1 year old  Daddy wants you to stay little forever and ever!!” and shared a bunch of pictures of him with his son.

The point guard said he had Halo’s back “through everything” and would “continue to set a great example for you and work hard everyday (sic) to provide you everything you deserve and that’s the world!!”
rj14/Instagram
Hampton was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks as the 24th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
NBAE via Getty Images
In September, he was traded to the Delaware Blue Coats.
NBAE via Getty Images

Hampton wrote, “Honestly, buddy, you are the greatest blessing God ever gave me. You’ve taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be for you! ”

He said he would always be there for Halo and would “continue to set a great example for you and work hard every day to give you everything you deserve, and that’s the world!!”

He finished with, “You are my heartbeat, I can’t imagine life without you, and life before you doesn’t matter anymore. Me and you, little man!! The legacy continues, and I can’t wait for you to have the best day. Happy 1st birthday, Halo. I love you forever 

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