COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is transforming traffic circles into modern roundabouts to reduce crashes and simplify driving. ODOT says roundabouts cut serious crashes by nearly 90% compared to traditional two-way stops.
Roundabouts are becoming more common across Ohio as the state works to improve road safety. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is helping drivers understand how to navigate the circular intersections and how they differ from older traffic circles.
ODOT recently converted a traffic circle in Somerset into a modern roundabout, using pavement markings and signage to streamline traffic in just months, avoiding years of construction.
Roundabouts reduce dangerous angle crashes like T-bones and left-turn collisions by slowing vehicles and simplifying decisions. The Federal Highway Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety report serious crashes drop nearly 90% at roundabouts compared to two-way stops, while total crashes fall by 44%.
