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Roundabouts can help avoid fatal car crashes

On Behalf of | Jun 10, 2019 | Car Accidents |

Road design can have a major impact on the severity of car accidents in New York. For example, some road crossings are marked only by stop signs, especially in rural areas. This can even be true when each road has a high speed limit of 55 mph. While these roads receive relatively low traffic volume, these types of crossings may mean that the car accidents that do occur are far more likely to lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Cars and trucks on rural, sparsely populated roads may be more likely to run stop signs or even miss them due to brush or other obstructions in the way.

One of the methods that can help cities and towns reduce the risk of severe car crashes is the installation of roundabouts. When drivers approach traffic circles, they are forced to slow down. In some ways, they can even be more effective than the traditional approach to reducing dangerous crashes by installing traffic lights. There are fewer accidents at intersections with posted traffic lights. However, the crashes that do take place are often serious and involve catastrophic injuries. On the other hand, roundabouts do not decrease the number of accidents as significantly, but car accidents are far less likely to be severe.

Drivers approaching a roundabout are not given the opportunity to consider if they can “beat” another car. Even if they enter a roundabout too close to another vehicle, they are far more likely to have a minor accident rather than a devastating motor vehicle collision.

Car accidents can lead to lifelong disabilities and severe injuries. Far too frequently, they are caused by one person’s distracted or negligent driving. People who have been injured in a crash caused by someone else may work with a personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation for their damages.

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