Do Roundabouts in Rochester Really Do Any Good?

More and more roundabouts are being built in Rochester. People say they're safer than four-way-stops, but a lot of drivers hate them. Does that make them unsafe? MnDOT did a study, let's see what it says.

First, it's from 2017. That's good news because the more current the better. Second, they compared pre-roundabout crash rates with post-construction crash rates. And they're working. According to MnDOT...

Roundabouts in Minnesota have had over an 80% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes. At the time of this report, there still has not been a multi-vehicle fatality in a roundabout in Minnesota.

So, yes...they do work. Annoying? For a lot of people, sure, but they work, and that's the most important thing.

• An 83% reduction in the Left Turning crash rate at intersections where Single-Lane Roundabouts have been installed.
• A 61% reduction in the injury crash rate at intersections where Single-Lane Roundabouts have been installed.
• A 42% overall reduction in the injury crash rate at intersections with all types of roundabouts.

Listen to James Rabe 6a to 10a on Y-105 FM, and 2p to 6p on 103.9 The Doc.

Listen to James Rabe 6a to 10a on Y-105 FM, and 2p to 6p on 103.9 The Doc.