Halifax has been improving traffic flow by changing key intersections to roundabouts. Modern roundabouts greatly improve many aspects of a typical intersection.
Why should I embrace roundabouts?
By installing a roundabout instead of a traffic signal or all-way stop, you’ll have less delays on your commute. You’ll also have improved fuel consumption and emission control as there will be less of a chance that you will need to stop.
The municipality, and ultimately the taxpayer, will see an improvement from lower maintenance costs compared to an intersection with traffic signals. There are greater safety benefits with roundabouts compared to traditional intersections due to the reduced speeds, the yield-upon-entry format, and the reduction in head-on and sharp-angle collisions.
Pedestrian crossing distances are also decreased by the inclusion of a pedestrian island, allowing pedestrians to cross each direction separately while ensuring traffic is yielding from each direction.
How do I drive through a roundabout?
Navigating a roundabout is very simple. Drive counter-clockwise, always keeping the middle to your left. Approaching a roundabout, yield to a pedestrian if there is one approaching the crosswalk, and then yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Enter the roundabout when there’s a safe gap in traffic and exit your desired leg of the roundabout, again yielding to pedestrians.
Check out this interactive diagram if you still have questions about certain aspects of navigating a roundabout.