Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than other types of traffic controls. Roundabouts allow traffic to continue moving and, as long as everyone understands how to use the roundabout correctly, they can lower the odds of an accident. Drivers are simply supposed to merge into the roundabout in a way that fits with traffic that is already in it, which includes waiting their turn if necessary.
In any case, San Diego does have some roundabouts that are supposed to help keep people safe. But does it need even more?
The plan is significantly off schedule
In 2015, the Climate Action Plan came into effect, and the goal was to build 15 roundabouts in San Diego by 2020. However, over the next five years, the city constructed only two new roundabouts.
City officials did update the goal to say that now they want to have 13 more roundabouts by 2030 and 20 more in 2035. But it is unclear if any of this will be possible, given the city’s track record of building roundabouts.
What makes roundabouts better?
Roundabouts are beneficial on numerous levels. For one thing, they tend to slow down traffic.
Roundabouts do not require much maintenance once they have been built.
Vehicles do not have to idle, reducing emissions, which is part of the reason that it was included in the Climate Action Plan.
Additionally, roundabouts can keep pedestrians safe. If pedestrians cross one lane of traffic, they can wait in the median until it is time to cross the other lane. Without roundabouts or medians, pedestrians will sometimes do this by standing in the turn lane, but this is very dangerous and should never be done.
Will more roundabouts be built?
It is not clear whether the roundabout construction goals will be met in the years to come. Regardless, if you suffer injuries in a car accident, be sure you know about all of your legal options.