What is the purpose of a traffic circle?

The primary function of a traffic circle is to manage traffic flow and reduce accidents at intersections. By design, traffic circles facilitate continuous movement of vehicles, which helps minimize the potential for collisions that often occur at traditional intersections where vehicles may come to a complete stop or make right-angle turns. The circular design allows drivers to yield to traffic already in the circle, promoting a smoother transition and reducing the likelihood of high-speed conflicts common in other intersection types.

In addition, the geometry of the traffic circle encourages slower speeds, which contributes to overall safety for both drivers and pedestrians. As a result, traffic circles can effectively handle a large volume of vehicles while significantly decreasing the chances of accidents compared to conventional intersection layouts.