In an effort to reduce the number of Connecticut car accidents that occur at intersections throughout the state, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has ventured out on an initiative to replace many four way intersections that are often rife with car accidents that result in injuries, with roundabouts.
Roundabouts, are decidedly not rotaries which have been used as a way to direct traffic since the start of the 20th century. This method for dealing with these types of intersections has been in place in neighboring Massachusetts and throughout the country for decades. Roundabouts are often smaller than rotaries and are considered by many to be a safer way to direct the flow of traffic at the point where different roads come together in one intersection. and now the state of Connecticut is making major investments in infrastructure projects that are aiming to make these intersections safer.
You may only need to look toward Salem, Connecticut where a four way, traditional, intersection was replaced with a roundabout nearly a decade ago. Preliminary numbers assessing the improved safety of the intersection speak volumes as to the success of installing these types of intersections throughout the state. The intersection, which is at the intersection of Routes 82 and 85 was often referred to as four corners, until its circular facelift. The change in traffic pattern was instituted in 2012. Before the change was made there were an average of 22 crashes per year at that intersection and nine of them led to injuries. Since the installation of the roundabout that number has been cut in half to 10 crashes a year and the number of accidents that involve an injury has plummeted by 90% to just an average of one injury related to a car accident per year.
This staggering decline in the number of accidents and injuries relating to the accidents is just one data point on a larger plan to modernize the intersections throughout the state of Connecticut.
As these new types of intersections begin popping up throughout the state you will want to know how to drive around them to maintain your safety and the safety of those who are sharing the roads with you. When you approach a roundabout you should use the following rules to prevent accidents;
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Slow down. You do not want to be entering the roundabout at full speed. While these types of intersections are designed to continue the flow of traffic, they are not designed for traffic to remain at the full speed they were traveling at before approaching the roundabout.
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Signal which direction you are planning on turning. While the traffic flow for these types of intersections may seem quite clear, it is important that you signal so there is no question as to which direction you will be heading.
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Choose the lane that corresponds to your intended exit. You may enter a roundabout using one lane, but need to use a different lane to exit and you should make your way into that lane for the exit you intend to use as quickly as you can.
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Follow the traffic flow. It is important not to make any sudden stops or lane changes as it will confuse the traffic and could potentially lead to an accident in the roundabout, which is precisely what the roundabouts are designed to avoid.
Of course, no amount of traffic mitigation strategies will eliminate Connecticut car accidents entirely, but as state officials have seen and federal officials have confirmed, these types of roundabout intersections are significantly more effective at keeping drivers safe than traditional intersections.
If you get injured, regardless of what type of intersection you are driving in you may need to speak with an attorney. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you on protecting your long-term interests.
