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Roundabouts and traffic safety

On Behalf of | Dec 5, 2023 | Auto Accidents

Several factors may contribute to car accidents. Numerous collisions happen at intersections, including those intersections and quiet residential neighborhoods. Stop signs often serve a vital purpose but can have limitations. Illinois drivers may go through the stop sign or only pause, increasing the chances of hitting pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles. Building more roundabouts at intersections might alleviate some problems, but roundabouts also have limitations.

Installing roundabouts

Another name for a roundabout is a traffic circle, and roundabouts require vehicles to travel in a circular direction to go around an island in the intersection. The structure may lead drivers to operate their vehicles differently when roundabouts replace traffic signals and stop signs. The circular motion makes it necessary to slow the vehicle down to go around the island.

The curved design is what necessitates the reduced speed. Roundabouts greatly decrease the potential for head-on collisions or ones involved in right or left turns. Pedestrians may find crossing at a roundabout to be safer. Regardless, auto accidents may still occur.

Accidents at roundabouts

Roundabouts should lead a driver to slow down, but a reckless driver may attempt to hit the roundabout faster than what is safe. Accidents could happen if a car takes a turn too quickly, which can happen if a driver is reckless. Others may go through the roundabout even though pedestrians cross because of aggressiveness or road rage. Even driving slowly through a roundabout is dangerous when the driver is distracted. The driver might not notice pedestrians or other vehicles, resulting in a crash.

Persons hurt at a roundabout by a negligent driver may file a civil lawsuit or an insurance claim. Accident victims will often seek compensation for their losses, including medical bills and decreased income. The aftermath of certain accidents may prompt a victim to seek punitive damages.