West Virginia is a beautiful place that attracts many visitors. Being such a popular state, West Virginia can deal with heavy traffic areas. Unfortunately, high-traffic areas are often prone to motor vehicle accidents. Some transportation experts are calling for people to recognize the benefits of roundabouts to help make this state’s roads safer.
Reducing T-bone accidents
When a vehicle collides with the side of another automobile, a term for this situation is a T-bone accident. That’s because the angle of this collision is T-shaped. However, drivers on roundabouts don’t have to deal with intersections or the possibility of a T-bone collision. That’s because roundabouts have traffic moving together in one direction.
Fewer decisions for drivers
Drivers must make many decisions behind the wheel. Fortunately, traffic lights and stop signs are eliminated on roundabouts reduces decisions drivers must make. Instead, drivers can maintain a focus on safely entering or exiting a roundabout.
Reaching destinations faster
Besides motor vehicle accidents, high-traffic areas can also lead to congested roads. These roads create bumper-to-bumper traffic and many frustrated drivers. Fortunately, a roundabout can handle many more vehicles than traditional intersections. Plus, traffic circles keep vehicles moving at all times.
Quicker emergency response times
Understandably, drivers need to reach their destinations quickly. The same holds true for police and emergency medical services when traveling fast can mean the difference between life and death. A constant flow of vehicles in a roundabout makes it easier for ambulance or police car drivers to reach those who need them.
While roundabouts may seem intimidating, these roads can and often do reduce automobile accidents. The central island of a roundabout can also reduce accident-related injuries and deaths among pedestrians.
