Final answer:
Roundabouts significantly reduce overall crashes by 35-47% and crashes resulting in injury by 72-82% compared to traditional intersections, due to lower speeds and fewer conflict points.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how much roundabouts reduce overall crashes compared to other types of intersections is rooted in traffic engineering and safety analysis. Several studies have assessed the benefits of roundabouts, with findings indicating a significant reduction in accident frequency and severity. For instance, research indicates that roundabouts can lead to a reduction in overall crashes by 35-47% and a 72-82% decrease in crashes that result in injury when compared to conventional intersections. This reduction is likely due to the lower speeds and fewer conflict points associated with roundabout traffic flows.
Notably, the implementation of a traffic signal at problematic intersections can similarly influence safety. It can moderate vehicle speed, improve pedestrian crossing conditions, and accommodate increased traffic volumes, as illustrated by the increase of activities near intersections, such as the opening of new manufacturing plants or changes in traffic routing for events. Considering the impact of traffic signals at busy intersections, the inclusion of a traffic signal can be a vital measure to improve traffic regulation and safety, enhancing protection for all road users, including pedestrians.