Do You Know All About Roundabouts?
Have you ever felt like you were driving in a circle and not getting anywhere? You may be driving in a roundabout. While a roundabout can be frustrating, it can also be an important safety addition to the roadway. In 1990, the first modern traffic roundabout in the United States was constructed in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now drivers can find thousands of roundabouts throughout the United States. If you have ever wondered about roundabouts, today is your lucky day. This article is all about roundabouts.
Roundabouts are supposed to make roads safer. However, the safest roads still have accidents. If a driver injures you in an accident, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. We offer many years of experience winning car accident cases for our Las Vegas area clients. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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What Are Roundabouts?
Roundabouts are one-way circular intersections in which traffic flows around a center island without stop signs or signals. Roundabouts can replace signals, two-way stop controls, and all-way stop controls. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration includes roundabouts in its 20 Proven Safety Countermeasures. The goal of these countermeasures is to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on American highways. For more information, see our article on the 20 Proven Safety Countermeasures.
Why Replace Traditional Intersections?
Did you know that a traditional traffic intersection has 32 points of conflict where two vehicles can collide? Roundabouts have only eight conflicts. Roundabouts can replace many traditional intersections. This can help reduce intersection accidents.
Nevada Intersection Accident Statistics
Every day, Nevada drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are at risk for an intersection accident. Clark County is the most dangerous county for intersection crashes in the state. Between 2013 and 2017, the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan reported the following:
- Seventy-five percent of serious injury and fatal intersection crashes occurred in Clark County.
- Vehicles going straight caused the greatest number of serious injuries and fatal crashes.
- Vehicles turning left caused the second greatest number of serious injuries and fatal crashes.
If you are the victim of an intersection accident, contact an experienced Las Vegas lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers are experienced car accident lawyers who are ready to help you. We will protect your rights as we pursue the maximum compensation you deserve in your Las Vegas area car accident case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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What Are the Benefits of Roundabouts?
Roundabouts are promoted because of their many benefits. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, a roundabout can have the following benefits:
- Reduces frequency and severity of crashes. This includes intersection crashes as discussed above.
- Reduces traffic delays.
- Increases traffic capacity.
- Limited or no electrical costs and lower maintenance costs. This reduces long-term operational costs.
- More environmentally-friendly than traditional intersections. This is due to less vehicle emissions, fuel use, and noise pollution.
- It can be aesthetically-pleasing. Communities can use the center circle for unique community gateways and landscape improvements.
Roundabouts cannot protect everyone. If you or a loved one are injured in a roundabout accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. The Las Vegas legal team at Anthem Injury Lawyers is experienced at handling all types of complex issues. This includes spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Put your Las Vegas area car accident case in the hands of our expert personal injury lawyers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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Do You Know How to Drive in Roundabouts?
If you have a roundabout in your neighborhood or on your way to work, you may not need to read this section. However, if the thought of driving in a roundabout gives you stress, continue reading. Any traffic change can be challenging. Use the below tips from the Nevada Department of Transportation to drive in a roundabout.
While Driving
- Remain calm.
- Always follow posted signs and guidelines that apply specifically to the roundabout you are traveling.
Before a Roundabout
- Slow down.
- Yield to pedestrians/bicyclists.
Entering a Roundabout
- Yield to driver’s left and enter the roundabout when there is an adequate gap in circulating traffic flow.
- Drivers in the roundabout have the right-of-way.
- Do not enter a roundabout when an emergency vehicle is approaching in any direction.
In a Roundabout
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Proceed through the roundabout counterclockwise to the right of the center island.
- Within a roundabout, do not stop for vehicles waiting to enter the roundabout. Drivers within a roundabout have the right-of-way.
- Use your turn signal to indicate when exiting.
Do You Know How to Drive in Multi-Lane Roundabouts?
Roundabouts can have more than one lane. Driving in a multi-lane roundabout can bring its own challenges. Use the following tips from the Nevada Department of Transportation to drive in a multi-lane roundabout:
- Always follow posted signs and guidelines that apply specifically to the roundabout you are traveling.
- Select your lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout.
- Use the right lane if you are making an immediate right turn or proceeding straight.
- Use the inside left lane to make a left or u-turn or travel through the intersection.
- Do not overtake other vehicles or bicyclists in a roundabout.
- Never travel next to commercial trucks or other large vehicles in a multi-lane roundabout.
- Do not exit from the inside, left-hand lane if there is a vehicle traveling on your right.
We hope these tips help you safely navigate roundabouts. We understand that even the most cautious driver can be injured in a car accident. If you are injured in an accident caused by another driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. We can even come to you to discuss your case. It’s important to remember that we work on a contingency basis – you don’t have to worry about affording a Las Vegas car accident lawyer. We get paid when you win. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Who Else Uses Roundabouts?
Drivers are not the only people who use roundabouts. If you are a pedestrian or a bicyclist, you may also encounter this circular intersection. Use the below tips from the Nevada Department of Transportation if you are using a roundabout as a pedestrian or bicyclist.
Pedestrians
- Never cross to the central island.
- Walk the perimeter of the roundabout.
- Use designated crosswalks.
- Watch and listen for vehicles.
- Be pedestrian smart. Make sure vehicles see and acknowledge you before you cross.
Bicyclists
Bicyclists can approach a roundabout like a pedestrian. If a bicyclist chooses to approach like a pedestrian, they should walk their bicycle and follow the above pedestrian tips.
If a bicyclist chooses to ride the roundabout like a car, they should do the following:
- Claim the entire circular travel lane (right-hand lane in multilane facilities) by riding near the center of the lane as a car would.
- Obey the same driving rules as a vehicle.
We hope these tips help you stay safe no matter your mode of transportation. If you are injured by a Las Vegas driver, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers is an experienced team of personal injury lawyers. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Have you been injured in a car accident in the Las Vegas area? Was it the fault of someone else? If so, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help protect your rights. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims. We offer the expertise you need to get maximum compensation due you for your Las Vegas area car accident. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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