How does a roundabout differ from a traditional intersection?

A roundabout is designed specifically to facilitate the continuous flow of traffic, which is a fundamental difference from traditional intersections. In a traditional intersection, vehicles often encounter stop signs or traffic signals, leading to potential delays and the need for vehicles to come to a complete stop. Roundabouts, on the other hand, allow vehicles to merge at slower speeds rather than stopping, which significantly reduces waiting time and prevents backups.

This design enhances safety by lowering the likelihood of severe accidents, as the circular nature of roundabouts promotes lower speeds and minimizes the points of conflict between vehicles compared to an intersection where movements can directly cross paths. Additionally, because vehicles yield upon entering the roundabout, this traffic pattern maintains a steady movement of vehicles, making it easier for drivers to navigate without waiting for lights to change or for gaps in traffic.

While all the other options offer some insights about roundabouts, the focus on continuous vehicle flow distinctly underscores the critical operational benefit of roundabouts compared to traditional intersections, where stopping and starting is more prevalent.