Modern roundabouts [2011]

MODERN ROUNDABOUT REALITIES:
Roundabouts are safe. Modern Roundabouts are being
constructed as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional intersections, the most common site of traffic crashes. Slower speeds in Modern Roundabouts allow drivers more time to react to other cars or pedestrians, which reduces the severity of crashes and keeps pedestrians safer when compared to a traffic signal. Modern Roundabouts offer up to a 90 percent reduction in crash fatalities, a 76 percent reduction in injury crashes and a 30 to 40 percent reduction in crashes involving pedestrians.*
Modern Roundabouts reduce congestion. Modern
Roundabouts keep traffic moving through an intersection because entering traffic only stops when yielding to traffic already in the circle.
Modern Roundabouts mean cleaner air.Traffic continues
to move through the Modern Roundabouts so there is no vehicle idling, which means a decrease in fuel consumption and air pollution as compared to a stop signal or controlled intersection.
Modern Roundabouts save you money.There is no traffic
signal equipment to install, repair and maintain.The expected service life of Modern Roundabouts is up to 25 years versus the 10-year expected service life for traffic signals.
Modern Roundabouts are environmentally pleasing!
Aesthetic landscaping in or around the central island can form a beautiful display of plants and trees, flowers or fountains.
*Sources from FHWA

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MODERN ROUNDABOUTS
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WHAT ARE MODERN ROUNDABOUTS?
Aroundabout is a circular intersection in which all traffic flows counter-clockwise around a central island. It operates with yield control at the entry points, and gives priority to vehicles within the roundabout. A roundabout is characterized by:
1.Yield Control at Entry Points 2. Roadway Curvature to Slow Speeds: Georgia's Modern Roundabouts range from130 to 220 feet in diameter.
NOT YOUR MOTHER'S ROUNDABOUT!
A Modern Roundabout is NOT a traffic circle or "rotary," which is no longer standard practice in this country. A Modern Roundabout is NOT a Courthouse Square, common in many Georgia communities. A Modern Roundabout is NOT a "free for all" without traffiic rules, as motorists must yield at entry points.

HOW DO I NAVIGATE A MODERN ROUNDABOUT?
1. As you approach a Modern Roundabout, slow down and observe advisory speed limit signs.Yield to pedestrians and bicycles throughout.
2. At entry, yield to traffic already in the circle. Look to the left and enter when there's a gap in the circulating traffic.
3. Obey signs at all times. Drive with the counter-clockwise flow of traffic. Do not stop in the Roundabout! You have the right of way. As you approach your exit, turn on your right turn signal, watch for cyclists and pedestrians, then exit.

IF AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE APPROACHES A ROUNDABOUT
Through proper design, Modern Roundabouts can easily accommodate trucks and emergency vehicles. Drivers should adhere to the same rules as they would on any other road if an emergency vehicle approaches, drivers should carefully move their vehicle as far right as possible and, if necessary, stop until the emergency vehicle passes. If in the roundabout, you should exit the roundabout, then move to the right.
Roundabouts have been used successfully all over the world. Today, there are more than 2,000 modern roundabouts in use in the United States with more than 120 proposed in Georgia. They are also being used in communities in California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina,Vermont and many other states.
For more information visit:
www.dot.state.ga.us/roundabout

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