PennDOT data showing roundabouts reducing fatalities and crashes

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently announced that fatalities, injuries, and crashes decreased overall at 26 roundabouts at 23 locations in the time since they were built, according to department data.

“The modern roundabout is simply safer than the traditional intersection,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said in a statement. “Though not the right option for every intersection, data shows that when installed, roundabouts save lives and reduce crash severity.”

PennDOT recently reviewed data for 26 roundabouts on state routes at intersections that were previously stop or signal controlled. These roundabouts were selected based on having at least three years of crash data available before and after the roundabouts were built. Department data based on police-submitted crash reports spanning the years 2000 through 2020 shows that fatalities at these locations were reduced by 100% and the total number of crashes decreased by 22%, according to a news release.

Additionally, suspected serious injuries were reduced by 81%; suspected minor injuries were reduced by 36%; possible/unknown severity injuries were reduced by 76%; and property damage-only crashes increased by 13%.

In addition to the 26 roundabouts meeting the selection criteria, 36 other roundabouts have been built on state routes with 19 more in construction and 20 in final design.

Roundabouts are frequently installed to address intersections with traffic safety issues but may also be installed to improve traffic flow as well as other reasons such as traffic calming, and to facilitate pedestrian mobility.