Roundabout Safety
2024 National Roundabouts Week – September 16 – 20, 2024
Navigating a Roundabout
What drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists need to know.
Drivers
- Slow down when approaching a roundabout. For multi-lane roundabouts, as with any intersection, get into the appropriate lane.
- Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. It is the law.
- Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Merge into the traffic flow when it is safe.
- Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit. Do not stop or pass in a roundabout.
- Exit the roundabout immediately if an emergency vehicle approaches, and then pull over. Do not stop in the roundabout.
- Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk when exiting the roundabout.
- Give large trucks extra space in a roundabout. Large trucks may straddle both lanes while driving through a multi-lane roundabout.
Pedestrians
- Cross only at crosswalks, and always stay on the designated walkways.
- Never cross to the central island.
- Cross the roundabout one approach at a time. Use the median island as a halfway point where you can check for approaching traffic.
Bicyclists
- Ride with traffic inside the roundabout or use the crosswalks appropriately.
- Follow the same rules as vehicles when riding with traffic and yield when entering the roundabout. Since traffic is slower inside the roundabout, cyclists should be able to travel at or near the same speed as motorists, staying in line with the circulating traffic.
How Does a Roundabout Work?
Why we use roundabouts
In short, roundabouts are being used because they work well.
A roundabout used at the right location will let you get through the intersection more safely and in less time.
Better safety
Roundabouts show an 86 percent decrease in fatal crashes, an 83 percent decrease in life-altering injury crashes, and a 42 percent overall decrease in the injury crash rate at intersections.
Better traffic flow
Roundabouts handle high levels of traffic with less delay than most stop signs or signals. The entry curves slow traffic so entering and exiting are easier and more efficient.
Better fuel efficiency and air quality
Where roundabouts replace signals, idling decreases which reduces vehicle emissions and fuel consumption by 30 percent or more.
Campaign Resources
Brochures
Roundabouts - A Minnesota Guide
Roundabouts Guide for Freight Traffic
How About a Roundabout?
Factsheet
2024 National Roundabouts Week Factsheet
Social Media Images
Participate in NRW by posting your roundabout items to social media using #RoundaboutsWeek
The US Department of Transportation has developed social media images for organizations and the public to use when promoting 2024 National Roundabouts Week.
Just right-click to save the image and upload to social media channels.
Additional Resources
- Reduced Conflict Intersection Information & Video: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadwork/rci/
- Brown bag lunch seminars focused on roundabout safety. Contact Lisa Kons.
Host a roundabout traffic safety display in your lunch room or commons area. - Arrange for marquees or electronic sign boards at your local businesses or schools to carry roundabout information or messages.
Sign up for construction updates to inform your employees of current activity in your area. - Free traffic safety resources from Minnesota NETS (posters, payroll stuffers, brochures, etc.) Use fax order form or submit online.
- For more information contact Lisa Kons at 800-444-9150/651-228-7330 or lisa.kons@minnesotasafetycouncil.org.
- Partner with your local community organizations to arrange an educational campaign.
- Copy and paste the links and information above into an e-mail to promote your business and your commitment to safety, your employees and your community.
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