What is a roundabout designed to do?

A roundabout is specifically designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of collisions. Its circular design facilitates continuous movement, encouraging vehicles to slow down and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. This helps to minimize stop-and-go traffic caused by stop signs or traffic lights, which can lead to delays and increase the potential for accidents.

By promoting a smoother flow of vehicles and requiring that they reduce speed and give way, roundabouts significantly lower the chances of high-impact collisions that are more common at traditional intersections. This design feature encourages safer driving behavior and can result in fewer serious accidents, making roads safer overall.

In contrast, while removing traffic lights may be a consequence of implementing roundabouts, it is not the primary design goal. Additionally, roundabouts do not allow for speeding through; they actually require drivers to slow down. Lastly, while pedestrian crossings are an important aspect of road safety, they are not a defining feature of roundabouts, which are more focused on vehicle movement and optimizing traffic dynamics.