A version of this article was originally featured in SEMCOG’s Putting Safety First. It illuminates regional data that underscores the gravity of fatal and serious crashes in Southeast Michigan. As we reflect on the many lives impacted by preventable tragedies, it becomes evident that concerted action is imperative. SEMCOG’s Southeast Michigan Transportation Safety Plan identifies key safety needs and guides investment decisions to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries for all road users.
If you travel on Southeast Michigan roads for even a short while, you may find yourself in a roundabout. While these circular intersections are nothing new in the United States (they date back at least 100 years), they can create an unfamiliar or anxiety-inducing experience for many in Southeast Michigan, which has seen a rapid expansion of roundabout implementation in recent years.
Roundabout locations in Southeast Michigan
Why Roundabouts are Catching on
- Roundabouts are efficient in terms of keeping people moving.
- Even while calming traffic, they can reduce delay and queuing when compared to other intersection alternatives.
- Furthermore, the lower vehicular speeds and reduced conflict environment can create a more suitable environment for walking and bicycling.
Source: FHWA
Don’t Roundabouts Have Lots of Crashes? Are They Safe?
Early in a roundabout adoption, low-severity (fender bender-type) crashes may increase – especially as drivers adapt to this new infrastructure. While this transition may require a learning curve, data show that roundabouts save lives – the top priority of the Safe System Approach. Globally, statistics show crashes decrease where roundabouts are implemented according to FHWA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Roundabouts Have Fewer Fatalities and Serious Injuries
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