Roundabouts

Did you know there are approximately 20 roundabouts operating on the state highway system, and over 300 roundabouts on local roads throughout Florida? Roundabouts improve traffic flow efficiency and overall safety, providing substantial safety and operational benefits compared to other intersection types, notably reducing severe crashes. Roundabouts have contributed to a 78 to 82 percent reduction in severe crashes; in Florida specifically, early results have shown that implementing roundabouts has resulted in a 15 to 47 percent reduction in all crashes and an 80 percent reduction in serious injuries and fatalities.

The modern roundabout features channelized approaches and a center island that results in lower speeds and fewer conflict points, leading to improved safety. Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic; traffic is not required to stop - only yield - so the intersection can accommodate more traffic in the same amount of time, leading to improved operational performance. Roundabouts can replace stop controls and traffic signals in both urban and rural areas. Roundabouts are also a practical option for managing speed and transitioning traffic from high-speed to low-speed environments, such as freeway interchange ramp terminals and rural intersections along high-speed roads.