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For the uninitiated motorist, traffic circles can be a bit confusing, and even seem a little silly, like spinning about on a merry-go-round, looking for your opportunity to exit. 

While they might be annoying to drivers, the truth is, the modern traffic circle, or roundabout, is a powerful tool for reducing traffic fatalities and injuries.

These traffic-slowing alternatives to traditional intersections have emerged as an effective part of San Diego’s commitment to Vision Zero—the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2025.

The City of San Diego recently launched its Safe Streets for All initiative to implement safer road infrastructure, such as roundabouts, in your community. Visit the virtual open house to provide important input at www.ss4asd.com.

The Safety Challenge

Too many pedestrians are dying or getting injured at traditional intersections. According to the American Automobile Association, two people are killed in the US daily by drivers running red lights. The US National Coalition for Safer Roads estimates that yearly, about 850 people are killed and 143,000 are injured by drivers running red lights.

Here’s why roundabouts are a game-changer for San Diego’s streets:

Roundabouts: A Proven Solution

1. Near Zero Fatalities: Among the 8,000+ roundabouts in the United States, only 6 pedestrians and 4 cyclists have been killed between 2010 and 2022 according to NHTSA data. At other conventional intersections over the same period, 11,000 pedestrians were killed.
2. Reduced Injuries:Studies have shown that roundabouts can slash injury-causing traffic crashes by up to 84% at intersections where they’re installed.
   • Other studies have seen a 90% reduction in fatalities at roundabouts, 76% fewer injuries, and a 30 to 40% decrease in the number of accidents involving pedestrians
3. Lower Speeds: The design of roundabouts naturally slows traffic, reducing the severity of any collisions that do occur
4. Reduced Conflict Points: Roundabouts decrease the number of potential collision points compared to traditional intersections, lowering the overall crash risk

Success Stories

San Diego has already seen the benefits of roundabouts in action. The Bird Rock neighborhood in La Jolla implemented a series of roundabouts along La Jolla Boulevard in 2008, resulting in significant improvements:

• Traffic Calming: Average speeds dropped from 40-45 mph to 19 mph
• Pedestrian Safety: The area became more walkable, with safer crossings for pedestrians
• Economic Boost: Local businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales

Community Input is Crucial

As we move forward with SS4A, your input is vital. The virtual open house will provide an opportunity for you to:

• Learn about the proposed locations for safer road infrastructure
• Understand the safety benefits and design principles of roundabouts
• Share your thoughts on which intersections should be prioritized
• Ask questions and provide feedback on the implementation process

Community Involvement

By embracing roundabouts, San Diego can create safer streets for all—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Together, we can build a city where traffic fatalities are a thing of the past.

Traffic injuries and deaths are preventable, and a proactive strategy to create safer streets in San Diego will decrease them. Visit SS4ASD.com to learn more and give your input.

Citations:

Broom, D. (2021, December 8). Roundabouts save more lives than traffic lights in US. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/12/roundabouts-save-more-lives-than-traffic-lights/

City of San Diego. (2024). Safe Roads for All Modes. Vision Zero | City of San Diego Official Website. https://www.sandiego.gov/vision-zero

Jenkins, L. (2019, June 1). Bird Rock runs circles around City Lights. Tribune. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2015/08/06/bird-rock-runs-circles-around-city-lights/

SANDAG. (2024). Vision zero. https://www.sandag.org/projects-and-programs/regional-initiatives/vision-zero

Wilson, K. (2021, September 21). Study: Some roundabout designs slash injury crashes up to 85%. Streetsblog USA. https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/09/21/study-some-roundabout-designs-slash-crash-injuries-up-to-85