Austin is converting more intersections into roundabouts as a safety measure, with 47 already built. Vehicles keep moving if everyone yields correctly. The city's newest roundabout was established at Pleasant Valley Road, with more in development including the 49th at Bluebonnet Lane. Roundabouts significantly reduce crashes, particularly right-angle collisions, while slowing traffic and decreasing injury severity. Despite their benefits, they may confuse drivers unfamiliar with yielding rules, raising safety concerns for cyclists and visually impaired pedestrians. The goal is to create safer, more efficient intersections as Austin continues to grow.
"The reduction in crashes is significant," said Ruth Steiner, a professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Florida. "Often, the reduction in severity is even more important, because ... you have slower traffic."
Traditional four-way intersections can have up to 32 points where cars cross paths. Roundabouts cut the number of these conflict points by 75%. They can benefit pedestrians, too, because drivers are forced to slow down.
But roundabouts can bewilder drivers who don't realize they're supposed to yield to those already in the traffic circle. That confusion can make it even more dangerous for cyclists.
Some roundabouts are harder to cross for the visually impaired.
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