I spend a fair amount of time driving in the Fraser Valley and during the last year I’ve noticed that BC roads are being redesigned to include roundabouts.
I’ve driven them in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, and Surrey. I’m sure there’s more. They are typically located at highway interchanges (Evans Road in Chilliwack, McCallum and Clearbrook Roads in Abbotsford, 8th Avenue in Surrey to name a few).
Since these new BC road designs, I’ve had several people come into my office having been in a car accident while navigating roundabouts.
I’m not terribly surprised because navigating a roundabout is a new driving experience for many British Columbians.
Why build roundabouts?
The argument for roundabouts are two-fold:
- They are safer; and
- They improve traffic flow.
Roundabouts are safer?
Although there are accidents in roundabouts, the argument is the accidents are much less severe than in intersections. The primary reason for this is that traffic in roundabouts flow in the same direction which doesn’t result in head-on or side-impact collisions (T-bone style collisions). It’s the head-on and side-impact collisions that usually result in the most sever injuries.
Moreover, at intersections, the rear-ending collisions usually involve a vehicle that is stopped; whereas a rear-end style crash in a roundabout involves two (or more) moving vehicles. A rear-end collision with vehicles moving in the same direction is generally less violent than crashing into a stopped vehicle.
That said, the fact is car crashes do and will happen in roundabouts, no matter how well-designed they are. It’s an unfortunate result of driving.
Roundabouts improve traffic flow?
It’s claimed that roundabouts minimize traffic delays because vehicles are not forced to stop as often which over time and many vehicles results in improved traffic flow.
Don’t forget about the environment
The improved traffic flow and reduced stopped traffic reduce emissions.
Roundabout driving tips
ICBC sets out roundabout driving tips here. One tip I’ll add is to give tractor trailer semi trucks both lanes in a double laned roundabout. Large trucks aren’t as agile as cars and therefore while navigating a roundabout will need both lanes. This inevitably does reduce traffic flow.
Other roundabout resources
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Q&As on Roundabouts
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