What is the purpose of a roundabout?

A roundabout serves the primary purpose of improving vehicular flow and reducing the likelihood of collisions. By design, roundabouts facilitate continuous movement of traffic, which lowers congestion at intersections where vehicles would otherwise have to stop at traffic lights or stop signs. This continuous flow reduces the chances of rear-end collisions, as vehicles are less likely to come to a complete stop.

Moreover, the circular layout of a roundabout encourages vehicles to slow down as they enter and navigate the intersection, which further diminishes the severity of potential collisions. The yield-at-entry design ensures that vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way, promoting smoother transitions and reducing the points of conflict between traffic streams. This method of traffic management is particularly effective in enhancing safety and efficiency at intersections, making it a preferred option in many urban planning scenarios.