What are roundabouts? A transportation engineer explains the safety benefits of these circular intersections

If you’ve been driving through U.S. cities and towns, you’ve likely noticed an increase in roundabouts replacing traditional four-way intersections. Some drivers embrace them as an efficient traffic solution, while others find them confusing or even intimidating.

But what exactly is a roundabout, and why is it becoming a preferred alternative to stop signs and traffic signals? Roundabouts are not just about traffic flow—they are a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly way to design roads.

Let’s break down what roundabouts are, how they work, and why they are considered one of the most effective traffic management solutions today.

What is a Roundabout? Understanding the Basics

roundabout—also known as a rotary or traffic circle—is a circular intersection where vehicles move counterclockwise around a central island. Unlike traditional intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic lights, roundabouts operate using a yield-at-entry system, meaning:

✔ Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to vehicles already circulating.
✔ Traffic flows continuously, reducing congestion and unnecessary stops.
✔ Speeds are naturally reduced, leading to safer driving conditions.

Most roundabouts also include:

🔹 Splitter islands – Raised medians that help slow down traffic before entering.
🔹 Pedestrian crosswalks – Positioned away from the central island to increase safety.
🔹 Lane markings – Clear indicators help guide drivers into the correct exit lane.

The result? A smoother, safer, and more efficient intersection that reduces both traffic delays and accidents.

A Brief History of Roundabouts

Many people assume roundabouts are a modern innovation, but their history dates back hundreds of years.

Video : Roundabout Safety Benefits

  • 1700s – Early versions of circular intersections appeared in Europe, particularly in England and France.
  • 1800s-1900s – Washington, D.C. was designed with multiple traffic circles, inspired by European models.
  • 1950s – The United Kingdom introduced the yield-at-entry rule, transforming roundabouts into the efficient system we use today.
  • 1990s – The first modern roundabout in the U.S. was built in Summerlin, Nevada in 1990.
  • Today – Over 10,000 roundabouts exist in the United States, with more being installed every year.

While roundabouts have been common in Europe and Australia for decades, the U.S. is now rapidly adopting them due to their proven safety and efficiency benefits.

Why Roundabouts Are Safer Than Traditional Intersections

One of the biggest reasons cities are replacing traditional intersections with roundabouts is safety.

1. Fewer Conflict Points = Fewer Accidents

typical four-way intersection has 32 conflict points—areas where vehicle paths cross, increasing the risk of collisions. In contrast, a roundabout reduces conflict points to just 8.

This means:

✔ No head-on collisions
✔ No dangerous T-bone crashes
✔ Fewer high-speed impacts

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts can reduce serious and fatal crashes by up to 90% when replacing a stop-controlled intersection. Even when replacing a traffic signal intersection, they reduce serious crashes by nearly 80%.

2. Lower Speeds = Less Severe Collisions

In a roundabout, vehicles enter and exit at lower speeds (15-25 mph), compared to the higher speeds (40-50 mph) seen at traditional intersections.

Lower speeds lead to:

✔ Less severe crashes
✔ Fewer pedestrian injuries
✔ Easier decision-making for drivers

3. Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Roundabouts offer better protection for pedestrians because:

✔ Crosswalks are set back from the circular flow, allowing drivers to see pedestrians clearly.
✔ Pedestrians only cross one direction of traffic at a time, making crossings safer.
✔ Cyclists can either merge into traffic or use a designated bike path, depending on the design.

With these safety features, roundabouts significantly reduce pedestrian-related accidents compared to traditional intersections.

Efficiency: Why Roundabouts Improve Traffic Flow

Beyond safety, roundabouts are also more efficient than stop signs or traffic lights.

1. Less Waiting, More Moving

At a traditional intersection, cars must stop at red lights, even when there’s no cross traffic. In a roundabout:

✔ Traffic keeps moving – No unnecessary stops.
✔ Fewer backups – No long wait times during rush hour.
✔ Reduced driver frustration – No more waiting for a green light when there’s no oncoming traffic.

2. Eliminating Left Turns = Smoother Flow

One of the most dangerous and disruptive movements at an intersection is the left turn. Roundabouts eliminate left turns, forcing all vehicles to move in the same direction, improving:

✔ Traffic efficiency – No waiting for gaps in oncoming traffic.
✔ Driver decision-making – No confusion about when to turn.

3. Roundabouts Handle High Traffic Volumes Better

Unlike stop signs and traffic lights, which cause congestion during peak hours, roundabouts allow continuous movement, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

Environmental Benefits: How Roundabouts Help the Planet

Roundabouts aren’t just safer and more efficient—they also have environmental advantages.

1. Reduced Fuel Consumption

✔ Less idling at red lights = less wasted fuel
✔ Lower speeds = better fuel efficiency

According to studies, roundabouts can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, making them a cost-effective solution for drivers.

2. Lower Carbon Emissions

Fewer stops and starts mean lower emissions, helping reduce air pollution in urban areas. Cities that replace signalized intersections with roundabouts see:

✔ Less smog and pollution
✔ Improved air quality

3. Less Road Maintenance Required

✔ No traffic signals = lower maintenance costs
✔ Roundabouts last longer than traffic lights

With less infrastructure to maintain, roundabouts save cities money in the long run.

Challenges: Why Some Drivers Struggle with Roundabouts

Despite their many benefits, some drivers remain hesitant about roundabouts. Common challenges include:

🚦 Confusion about yielding – Some drivers don’t understand that they must yield to circulating traffic before entering.
🚦 Merging issues – Drivers unfamiliar with roundabouts sometimes hesitate, causing unnecessary slowdowns.
🚦 Exit mistakes – Some drivers find it difficult to choose the correct exit and miss their turn.

However, studies show that once drivers become familiar with roundabouts, their confidence improves significantly.

Video : Principles of Intersection Safety

Final Thoughts: Are Roundabouts the Future of Road Design?

Roundabouts are more than just a traffic trend—they are a safer, smarter, and greener solution for modern transportation. With their ability to reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and lower emissions, they are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to traditional intersections.

🚗 Safer roads, fewer accidents
🚗 Smoother traffic, less congestion
🚗 Lower fuel costs, reduced pollution

As more states adopt roundabouts in urban and suburban planning, they will likely become a permanent feature of America’s roadways.

So next time you approach a roundabout, embrace the change—it’s making our roads safer and more efficient for everyone!

“You’re too old to dress like a 20-year-old,” an online user stated about Cher’s revealing outfits in her 70s.

Cher’s journey from the unknown to establishing her distinct place as a multitalented icon is nothing short of exciting. In addition to redefining music and ruling the world of music for nearly six decades, she has challenged the norms and expectations, building a persona unlike any other.
From being fun and full of surprises to exuberating boldness and brilliance—Cher’s journey to success has been both unconventional and exceptional. Moreover, she has used fashion as a form of self-expression, unapologetically conveying her somewhat complex personal style.

Despite her age, the “After All” singer’s revealing style has remained unchanged. Her choice of seemingly inappropriate outfits has kept her in the spotlight for years. At the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, she rocked a body-baring, heart-shaped pasties outfit made from beaded threads.
Cher topped her look with a platinum wig, looking snug and happy in her bold beaded dress. Interestingly, everyone adored her style, and she also bagged the Icon Award, which later gave her a chance to share an emotional acceptance speech.
While reflecting on her journey in the music arena for over 50 years at the time, Cher echoed what her mom told her when she was a young girl:
“You’re not going to be the smartest, you’re not going to be the prettiest, you’re not going to be the most talented, but you’re going to be special.’”
Taking the conversation further, the “If I Could Turn Back Time” star noted how her style statement throughout her career had been unique, despite being dubbed outrageous, distinct, and against the rule books.
To anyone wondering how she pulled off such a revealing dress for her age, the then-71-year-old responded, “I can do a five-minute plank.”
Despite going strong in her 70s, Cher has received immense criticism for her looks. In 2019, a user called the songstress “too old to dress like a [20-year-old].”
In 2014, a second user slammed her for looking ugly in her purple dress, saying she needed to wear something longer. “Cher looks like an ugly Ozzy,” commented another user.
She has reportedly been dubbed as the poster girl for cosmetic procedures.
Besides being criticized, the “Moonstruck” alum has also received supportive comments from fans. “THIS is cher! she looks her age, beautiful and happy. there’s nothing wrong with looking like you’ve lived [sic],” stated one user on Twitter.
When Cher posted her mother’s picture on social media in June 2022, many drew similarities between the two women. She is beautiful. She is beautiful at her age now!” wrote a fan. Another netizen commended the pop star, adding, “Looks beautiful for any age and she is already doing her job fabulously.”

For Cher, the world of glitz and glam has also pressured her to remain young and relevant in her field. She has reportedly been dubbed as the poster girl for cosmetic procedures.
When asked if she normalized the trend, the singer immediately pointed out how she had seen girls as young as 18 want to change their appearance. She said she didn’t comprehend why people held her responsible for something which had been trending for a long time.
“If you’re no good at what you do, people don’t care what you look like,” answered Cher when asked if cosmetic treatments had prolonged her career. She noted how people didn’t pay money to look at someone and attached much more importance to someone’s performance.
Despite admitting to feeling exhausted and drained, the “Burlesque” alum said her voice had never been better. She also stated how she had worked diligently to build her body strength, adding that even 20-year-old girls couldn’t do what she did.
While commenting on an American tabloid newspaper constantly suggesting she was on the brink of death, Cher appeared shocked and confused. During her response to the somewhat queer question, she said she was unsure why they thought she was dying when she had never felt that way.
Cher is also excellent at monitoring her diet and is a fan of healthy eating except for her love for chocolate. She also credits working out and exercising to her gorgeous appearance and agelessness.
So, how does the “All or Nothing” singer maintain her lovely figure while adding more years to her life? She once shared how she works twice as hard and loves being in the gym as much as possible. Cher said she was a tomboy in her youth and loved playing sports.

Owing to her sporty attitude, Cher also learned to surf and said she loved embarking on adventures. The Oscar-winning diva has a few simple beauty tips which have helped her remain an elegant beauty over the years.
Her secrets to staying fit, active, healthy, and of course, ageless include saying no to drinking, smoking, and drugs. In addition to understanding the importance of mindful eating and adopting a vegetarian diet, Cher confessed she rarely drank and never did drugs.
Cher once rated Cruise among her top five lovers, and the duo’s relationship amassed immense popularity back in the day, despite the “Jerry Maguire” actor being 16 years her junior.
The “Baby Don’t Go” star explained how she had always considered drinking and drugs unhealthy. While she admitted to smoking cigarettes for some time, she quickly bounced back and steered clear of anything that contradicted her taste.
Being the superstar she is, Cher’s health continues to worry her fans from time to time, mainly in the wake of her advancing age. In 2021, she had to cancel some of her concerts after contracting a mysterious illness.
Heeding her doctor’s advice, Cher, then 75, took some time to rest and recover and kept her loyal fan base updated about her health through regular social media updates.
Known for entertaining the audience, staying relevant, and serving style goals despite her age, the Emmy-winning star was shattered to cancel some of her shows. During her “Dressed To Kill” tour, she was said to have fallen ill with a severe virus affecting her kidneys and voice box.
At the time, Cher had to cancel her mega show’s second half because she appeared too unwell to perform. However, despite her health scares, she has managed to stay fit and healthy, determined to keep her fans entertained with her mesmerizing performances.
Cher’s age has never deterred her from chasing her dreams. In addition to reveling in continued success and fame, she had had an exciting love life. In November 2022, the “Love and Understanding” singer went public with her relationship to Alexander “AE” Edwards, 40 years her junior.
When photos of the hot duo circulated on social media, many fans warned Cher about her then-boyfriend’s past. But sources reported that the Grammy-winning musician was unswayed by the online chatter, and she couldn’t care less about the skepticism surrounding her relationship.
Despite the undue media and public scrutiny, Cher seemed to enjoy the attention, reportedly adding that she and her then-beau shared something extraordinary, making her feel sexy and full of life.

The same source shared that Cher had always had a thing for younger men, and her relationship with Edwards was no different than her previous connections. But what made it stand out from the “Bang Bang” star’s prior romances was how it made her feel and her confidence to take it public.
In December 2022, Cher posted a picture of her pear-shaped diamond ring on Twitter, triggering the romance rumor mill. The “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” alum wrote how she wished her late mom, Georgia Holt, could witness her happiness and gorgeous ring.
She mentioned how her mother loved diamonds and would have been ecstatic to share her daughter’s happiness. Later, Cher said she had posted the ring’s photo because she wished to flaunt her then-boyfriend’s fabulous nails.
The pop star’s romance with Edwards isn’t the only one that gained widespread media attention. In the past, she’s dated Hollywood A-listers, including Richie Sambora, Elvis Presley, Tom Cruise, and several others.
Cher once rated Cruise among her top five lovers, and the duo’s relationship amassed immense popularity back in the day, despite the “Jerry Maguire” actor being 16 years her junior.
She has been married twice: she wed Sonny Bono in 1964, and they divorced in 1975. They share a son, Chaz Bono. Unfortunately, Sonny died in 1998. Later, in 1975, she tied the knot with Gregg Allman, but the duo divorced three years later. Allman passed away in 2017, and the duo share a son, Elijah.
Despite the rumors that Cher and Edwards were engaged, sources close to the couple confirmed that they had gone their separate ways after just six months of dating. It was also revealed that the pair were never engaged, and Cher’s ring was merely a gift from her ex-lover.
Regardless, the duo was said to be incredibly close, and Edwards’ son loved spending time at Cher’s Malibu residence. Their romance and brief relationship were believed to be real and special, and despite their decision to call it quits, they were said to be on friendly terms.
Although Cher has been slammed off and on for her revealing style, she continues to exuberate class and confidence while showing off her slim figure, proving that age is just a number!

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