Roundabouts Reduce Accidents, Injuries in South Carolina

More traffic circles are being built in South Carolina and figures from the state Department of Transportation show they help reduce the number of accidents and injuries at intersections.

The Independent Mail of Anderson reports that 15 traffic circles have been built in the state.

DOT numbers show those traffic circles have resulted in a 74 percent reduction in total crashes, a 68 percent reduction in crashes with injuries and a 100 percent reduction in the number of fatal crashes compared to the standard intersections they replaced.

The DOT’s Chris Jordan tells the newspaper that by eliminating left hand turns at intersections – and with them, the possibility that cars will be hit broadside – accidents that do occur are likely to be less serious.