Roundabouts are becoming more common as they gain acceptance as a means to
keep traffic moving smoothly and to reduce the number and severity of accidents
at the intersections they replace.

Compared to conventional intersections, roundabouts reduce conflict points,
right- and left- turn collisions, and multi-vehicle crashes. This decreases
traffic injuries, fatalities, and the duration of recovery time. Roundabouts
could be good news for safety-conscious aging drivers, who often have trouble
negotiating intersections, the most dangerous of all traffic situations they
encounter.

But for many aging drivers, roundabouts are perceived as confusing and dangerous
places in which to drive. Can you blame them? Many have never even driven
through one before, are concerned about making poor split-second driving
decisions, and have difficulty deciphering the signage. In fact, many older
drivers indicate that they would prefer making a left turn at a signalized
intersection, rather than driving through a roundabout, even though statistics
show this is a safer experience.

How, then, can highway designers and planners increase the confidence and
proficiency of older drivers at roundabouts? What countermeasures can be
implemented to encourage this age group to use roundabouts in preference to
signalized intersections?

These questions and more were addressed in a June, 2005 study entitled Reducing
Older Driver Injuries at Intersections, Using More Accommodating Roundabout
Design Practices. This study, prepared by universities and agencies in Texas and
Arizona, was funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the
National Institute of Health. Researchers used older-driver focus groups to spot
problem areas and detailed interviews to identify countermeasures.

Here are their suggestions for improving roundabout designs and encouraging
their use by older drivers:

Improve Advance Warning Signs
To clarify the meaning of the circular arrows on the advance warning sign, add a
solid black circle to the middle of the roundabout sign template. The circle
represents the center island in the roundabout and indicates the presence of an
obstruction. Researchers also recommended that the speed needed to safely
negotiate the roundabout be posted (Refer to Figure 1).

Use Single Lane Roundabouts When Possible
Single lane roundabouts are perceived by aging drivers as being much safer to
maneuver than multi-lane designs. This is because they reduce the number of
multiple responses needed in rapid succession. This allows more time for older
drivers to process data, make good decisions, and react in a timely manner.

Provide Advance Information on the Number of Lanes in the
Roundabout
Advance knowledge of lane configurations helps drivers to select the approach
lane in which they need to maneuver (see Figure 2).

Post One-Way Signs
The study indicates that motorists would benefit from one-ways signs, visible to
those entering each leg of the roundabout, on the center island. These signs
would reinforce motorist understanding of the direction that traffic is moving.

Detailed Information on Where to Exit
Within the roundabout itself, post succinct, large font signs indicating exits
lanes and names. Also provide signs with street names and arrows at exit
splitter islands (See Figure 3).

Check Night Light
Older drivers have trouble reading signs at night and can be blinded by
headlights from opposing traffic. Make sure you provide ample street lighting
that spills onto signage. Also install low level landscaping and barriers in the
center island to block oncoming headlights.

Research shows that older drivers have a significantly higher collision rate at
intersections than younger driving groups. Roundabouts can be a safe alternative
for these motorists, providing they feel comfortable in using them. By
incorporating the suggestions above into your design, you can improve motorist
comfort levels with roundabouts and realize the safety benefits they are
intended to provide.

Information for this article was taken from “Reducing Older Driver Injuries at
Intersections, Using More Accommodating Roundabout Design� . This report can be found Here.