Are Roundabouts Safer Than Intersections?
- ELF Legal
- Jun 23, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 10
What Georgia Drivers Need to Know About Roundabout Accident Safety
Roundabouts are quickly becoming a fixture in North Georgia, and for good reason: they're significantly safer than traditional intersections. National studies confirm this, showing a 35% to 47% decrease in total crashes and a dramatic 72% to 80% drop in injury-causing crashes where roundabouts have been implemented. This improvement is largely due to their design, which reduces speeds and eliminates conflict points, preventing severe T-bone and head-on collisions.
Georgia is fully investing in this safety measure. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) reports nearly 400 roundabouts are either currently in use, under construction, or in development statewide, impacting areas like Buford, Flowery Branch, and Gainesville.
While the data is compelling, navigating roundabouts can still be confusing for some. An example, like a distracted driver failing to yield in a two-lane Buford roundabout, highlights the importance of knowing right-of-way rules and proper techniques. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at how roundabouts enhance safety, offer essential tips for avoiding accidents, and explain how fault is determined after a crash.
Skip ahead:
Key Factors in Roundabout Car Accidents
Even with better design, crashes still happen. These accidents usually because drivers don’t follow the rules or simply don’t understand them.
The top causes of roundabout accidents include:
Failure to yield to traffic already circulating
Driver confusion about right of way or exit timing
Entering too fast, especially from rural or high-speed roads
Distractions like phones or GPS
Each of these increases the risk of sideswipes, rear-end collisions, and merge-related fender benders—even at low speeds.
Single vs. Multi-Lane Roundabouts
Not all roundabouts function the same way. Single-lane roundabouts are simpler, safer, and more intuitive. They’re perfect for lower-volume roads and reduce conflict points. Multi-lane roundabouts are built for busy roads and highway intersections, but they require more from drivers.
Problems often arise when people:
Choose the wrong entry lane
Try to switch lanes mid-circle
Fail to signal when exiting
These complex setups can improve flow but also increase accident risk if drivers aren’t paying attention or are unfamiliar with the layout.
Roundabout Safety Tips to Reduce Accidents
To help prevent roundabout crashes, here are some key safety tips:
Slow down when approaching the roundabout. This gives you time to choose the correct lane and observe traffic.
Yield to traffic already in the circle. This rule is critical and often overlooked by unfamiliar drivers.
Do not change lanes inside the roundabout. Stay in your lane until you exit.
Look for pedestrians and cyclists. Especially near crosswalks and in school zones.
Use your turn signal. Signal right before you exit to avoid confusion for other drivers.
Following these tips will make roundabouts safer for you and everyone else on the road.
Common Roundabout Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even seasoned drivers make mistakes in roundabouts. Here’s what to avoid:
Entering without yielding
Switching lanes inside the roundabout
Failing to use a signal when exiting
Driving too fast on approach
Most of these mistakes come from a lack of familiarity—or impatience. Either way, they can lead to costly or injurious crashes, especially in multi-lane circles.
Video Credit: "Rules of the Roundabout" by the Federal Highway Administration. Watch on YouTube.
Determining Fault After a Roundabout Accident
Determining fault in a roundabout crash can be complicated. Unlike a standard intersection, a roundabout has continuous traffic flow, multiple entry and exit points, and sometimes more than one lane.
If you were hit in a roundabout, factors such as speed, signaling, lane position, and right-of-way violations will all be considered. This is why it is important to speak with a local personal injury attorney.
How The Edmonson Law Firm Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a roundabout crash, we’ll:
Investigate the accident scene
Review any available traffic footage
Gather witness statements
Help you file an insurance claim or lawsuit
We help clients across Georgia recover compensation for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and more.
Conclusion
Roundabouts are designed to make roads safer, and overall, they do. But their safety benefits only work when drivers know the rules. Confusion, speeding, and failure to yield still cause too many preventable crashes in Georgia.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a roundabout accident, do not wait to get help. Let us review your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call The Edmonson Law Firm at (678) 271-9111, visit our office at 924 Gainesville Hwy, Suite 200, Buford, GA, fill out our personal injury questionnaire online, or book your free consultation with John Edmonson here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are roundabouts safer than traffic lights or stop signs?
Yes. Roundabouts reduce injury crashes by up to 80% and eliminate the most dangerous collisions, such as T-bone and head-on crashes.
What is the most common cause of roundabout accidents?
Failure to yield to circulating traffic is the most frequent cause. Many drivers also cause accidents by entering too quickly or changing lanes inside the roundabout.
Who is at fault in a roundabout accident?
Fault depends on factors like speed, signaling, right-of-way violations, and lane usage. A personal injury attorney can help determine liability through evidence.
How do you safely drive through a roundabout?
Slow down on approach, yield to traffic already in the roundabout, stay in your lane, signal your exit, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
What should I do if I'm injured in a roundabout crash?
Get medical help immediately. Then, document the scene, gather witness info, and contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and explore legal options.
Comments