MCDR works relentlessly to ensure our roads are as safe as possible for all road users. Nationwide traffic studies and data show that roundabouts are safer and more efficient than traditional signalized intersections. Roundabouts have been proven to enhance safety, reduce congestion, improve efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
Determining the suitability of a roundabout involves numerous factors, including safety impacts, traffic behavior, pedestrian and bicycle traffic volumes, crash history, availability of right of way, utility locations, access management, and existing and projected future traffic volumes. As the road agency for Macomb County, MCDR uses well-established and nationally recognized guidelines for the design and construction of roundabouts.
The first roundabout installed in Macomb County opened in 2003. While roundabouts aren’t new, we can make them safer for all road users if motorists and pedestrians follow the rules of the road when traveling through a roundabout.
Learn more about how to safely navigate a roundabout from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Roundabouts are safer than most traditional intersections and can be designed to meet a wide range of traffic conditions that provide benefits to all road users.
- Roundabouts reduce vehicle speeds and the number of potential conflict points.
- Roundabouts have fewer conflict points, which reduces the likelihood of incidents or crashes.
- Roundabouts reduce head-on and angle crashes that frequently result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Roundabouts reduce the number of vehicles that must stop and the number of times a vehicle must stop, which reduces delays, increases road capacity, and facilitates vehicles to move continuously through them.
- With the use of yield signs and pedestrian signals, roundabouts encourage and enable vehicles to safely travel through a roundabout.
Fast Facts
- When a traditional two-way stop-controlled intersection is replaced with a roundabout, data shows an 82% reduction in serious injuries and fatalities on average. (Source: SEMCOG)
- When a traditional signalized intersection is replaced with a roundabout, there is a 78% reduction in serious injuries and fatalities on average. (Source: SEMCOG)
Below are commonly asked questions and additional information related to roundabouts. These responses are meant to provide accurate information related to roundabouts under Macomb County jurisdiction.
Why are roundabouts installed?
Public safety is the number one priority for MCDR. Nationwide traffic studies and data show that roundabouts enhance safety, reduce congestion, improve efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Determining the suitability of a roundabout involves numerous factors including safety, traffic behavior, number of pedestrians and bicyclists, crash history, availability of right of way, utility locations, access management, and existing and projected future traffic volumes.
Why are roundabouts effective?
Roundabouts are safer than most traditional intersections and can be designed to meet a wide range of traffic conditions that provide benefits to all road users. Roundabouts enhance safety by promoting lower speeds and calming traffic, reducing conflict points, and improving operational performance.
Why do crashes occur at roundabout locations?
While crashes may occur within a roundabout, the severity of incidents is lower compared to traditional intersections. In roundabouts, vehicles travel at slower speeds, less conflict points exist, and incidents are typically less severe. Most incidents are the result of driver behavior such as not obeying traffic signs and signals, distracted driving, or improper use of a roundabout.
What else should I know about roundabouts?
For motorists, always yield to pedestrians, obey speed limits (especially in school zones and residential areas), stay in the correct lane, stay alert, and avoid distracted driving. For pedestrians, always cross at marked crosswalks or intersections and look both ways before crossing, stay visible (especially at night or in low-visibility conditions), stay alert and avoid distractions, and ensure vehicles stop before you cross the road.
How do road agencies make it easier for road users to navigate roundabouts?
Road agencies, including MCDR, use well-established and nationally recognized guidelines for the design and construction of roundabouts, which include the use of yield signs, pedestrian signals, pavement markings, pedestrian crossings and signs, and other safety features.
For additional information and resources related to roundabouts, click on the buttons below.
U.S. Department of Transportation