Ohio drivers are seeing fewer injuries at roundabout intersections

Roundabouts are proving to be a safer alternative to traditional intersections, according to an analysis by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The study, which examined 76 intersections that were converted to roundabouts, found that single-lane roundabouts decreased injury crashes by 69% while multi-lane roundabouts saw a 25% decline, according to a community announcement.

“Safety is the driving force behind every decision we make, and the results are clear, roundabouts are very effective at reducing crashes and saving lives,” ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn said in the announcement. “Our goal is to continue to support our local, county and state partners by providing funding for roundabouts.”

Roundabouts part of larger safety initiative

In July, Gov. Mike DeWine announced an additional $137 million for 55 traffic safety projects across the state, with 25 of those projects including the installation of roundabouts.

One of the most notable success stories comes from Clark County, where the intersection of Ohio 41 and Ohio 235 had a long history of serious crashes. Despite several countermeasures, including rumble strips, multiple stop signs and flashing beacons, deadly and serious injury crashes continued to occur.

In 2014, a roundabout was installed. In the 11 years since, there has not been a single fatal crash. The lone serious injury crash occurred in 2023 and involved a motorcycle with the rider impaired by drugs and without a helmet or motorcycle endorsement on their license.

Marion and Richland counties see improvements

In Marion County, the intersection of Ohio 98 and Ohio 529 had 37 crashes in the four years before the roundabout’s construction, with nearly 60% resulting in injury. Since the roundabout opened in 2022, there have been 16 crashes with none resulting in injuries.

Richland County has also seen improvements at the intersection of East Cook Road/Illinois Avenue and Mansfield-Lucas Road. From 2015-18, the two-way stop-controlled intersection saw 21 total crashes, with 15 resulting in injury. The roundabout was opened in August 2022, and in the two years since, crashes have decreased by 40% with an average of three per year and zero injury crashes.

This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.