Car accidents occur every day in Georgia and around this nation. One of the most common locations of crashes is at intersections. In fact, crashes involving right-angles at signalized and stop-controlled intersections are the main areas where auto accidents occur on city streets.
Because of the volume of traffic most intersections receive, many traffic authorities have identified modern roundabout intersections as a way to minimize intersection accidents in Georgia that result in injuries and death.
What is a Roundabout?
A roundabout is a traffic circle – a circular intersection that moves traffic counter-clockwise around a center island. Traffic entering the circle yields to traffic already in the roundabout and cars are channeled through splitter islands. There are low-speed, mini-roundabouts in urban environments and larger two or three lane roundabouts in areas with a heavier traffic flow. When properly designed, the roundabout should operate more efficiently than a traffic signal or stop sign.
How Does a Roundabout Reduce Accidents?
Roundabouts are used for speed control. Drivers approaching a roundabout have to slow down from a straight-line path into a roundabout. This eliminates high speed crashes at intersections. In addition to creating slower speeds, roundabouts also eliminate the need for making dangerous left turns across opposing traffic lanes. By reducing speed and left turns at intersections, roundabouts virtually eliminate dangerous high-speed or head-on crashes in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia.
While roundabouts do reduce the severity of accidents, wrecks can still occur in and approaching roundabouts. If you have been hurt in an Atlanta traffic accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 for a free consultation with a skilled Atlanta auto accident attorney today.