Resources about the safety benefits of roundabouts and how to navigate them.
Modern roundabouts are a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Proven Safety Countermeasure and supported by a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Policy on intersection design decision-making. Modern roundabouts have shown to be highly effective in reducing the rate of serious injury and fatal crashes. Replacing stop-controlled and signalized intersections with roundabouts can reduce crashes that result in incapacitating injuries and deaths by up to 80%.
This is because they significantly:
Modern roundabouts are a safer intersection solution for both drivers and pedestrians. Because of the safety benefits, the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization was an early adopter of a regional policy that roundabouts be prioritized as a design alternative when a new intersection project is proposed.
Other than the critical safety benefits, roundabouts:
"The modern roundabout is an intersection with a circular configuration that safely and efficiently moves traffic. Roundabouts feature channelized, curved approaches that reduce vehicle speed, entry yield control that gives right-of-way to..."
"The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is actively promoting the installation of modern roundabouts throughout the state highway system due to their proven safety and operational benefits. Currently, there are approximately..."
"Did you know there are approximately 20 roundabouts operating on the state highway system, and over 300 roundabouts on local roads throughout Florida? Roundabouts improve traffic flow efficiency and overall safety, providing substantial safety and operational benefits..."
Watch two videos from the City of Sarasota Public Works Department to learn more about how to safely navigate a modern roundabout.
"Single-lane roundabouts were introduced in downtown Sarasota over the past decade as a way to begin familiarizing the community with how they operate and getting residents and visitors more comfortable navigating them. ..."
Explore the FHWA's library of outreach and education resources, technical materials and research, and connections to other transportation safety topics.