Unit 03, Lesson 06 - Roundabouts and Continuous Flow Intersections
ROUNDABOUTS
Roundabouts were created in an effort to reduce the number of points where conflict can occur between two vehicles or a vehicle and a pedestrian. A roundabout has 12 potential points of conflict compared to 56 potential points of conflict at a regular “four-leg” intersection. A typical roundabout has a mountable curb around the outside of the center island to accommodate big trucks and semis as necessary.
There are four points to remember when using a roundabout:
- Always yield to the traffic that is already in the roundabout
- Roundabouts run counter clockwise, always enter the roundabout to your right
- Always yield to pedestrians
- Always signal going in and out of a roundabout. The roundabout is a free-flowing traffic lane; therefore, it is not regulated by traffic lights. It is extremely important for the driver to be aware of pedestrians that might be crossing the traffic lanes of a roundabout.
Residential Roundabout: By Richard Drdul (Traffic Calming Flickr Photoset), CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
CONTINUOUS FLOW INTERSECTIONS (CFI)
New to Utah is a Continuous-Flow Intersection (CFI). The first one is located at 3500 South and Bangerter Highway in West Valley City. CFI is a new approach to intersection design. Compared to a traditional intersection, it reduces the steps in the light cycle and places left turns along a safer path.
Proceed as you normally would but watch for another light just past the intersection. It’s possible to encounter a red light here which allows left turning cars to cross in front of you.
Be sure to yield to traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. Make your turn, merge with traffic and keep going.
Proceed just like a normal intersection, but watch for another light just past the intersection. You may see a red light here which allows left turning cars to cross in front of you.
03.06 Roundabouts and Continuous Flow Intersections
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