Arkansas Behind the Curve

The Federal Highway Administration, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and several state departments of transportation are promoting traffic roundabouts as safer alternatives to intersections with traffic lights.  Arkansas, however, is not one of the 29 states with a program to promote such roundabouts.

The Federal Highway Administration has more information and data on why roundabouts can be safer than traffic light intersections.  They site 3 specific ways that roundabouts improve safety at intersections by:

• eliminating or altering conflicts types
• decreasing speeds into and through the intersection
• decreasing speed differentials at intersections

Roundabouts can easily accommodate tractor-trailer traffic.  A critical design element that allows trucks to successfully negotiate a roundabout is the truck turning apron, which is located in the middle of the roundabout. This apron is designed for the back wheels of the trucks to drive over. This is accomplished by designing the curb to be mountable.

Mountable curbs are shorter than regular curbs and the concrete apron is colored to deter regular passenger vehicles from using it.

I have personally litigated a number of wrecks caused by tractor-trailer drivers making improper right turns.  I think properly constructed roundabouts would also help avoid wrecks caused when tractor-trailers make wide right turns.

The complete US Department of Transportation report on roundabouts is available at http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/00068.htm