Yes, National Roundabouts Week is a thing and it is this week!

Eden Prairie has three roundabouts: two on Washington Avenue as part of the 169 interchange, and one on City West Parkway as part of the Optum development.

Roundabouts can provide substantial safety and operational benefits compared to other intersection types, including a reduction in severe crashes. In fact, according to a recent Minnesota Department of Transportation study, at intersections where roundabouts have been installed, the fatal crash rate has been reduced by 86% and the serious injury crash rate has been reduced by 83%.

Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers about roundabouts:

Q:           Do I have to stop at the yield signs?

A:            When there is a lot of traffic, drivers will most likely have to stop at the yield sign and wait for a safe gap before proceeding. If a safe gap already exists, drivers are not required to stop. However, drivers should always slow down enough so they can stop if necessary.

Q:           How do I navigate multi-lane roundabouts?

A:            Know which direction you want to go before entering (left, through or right) and get in the correct lane before entering, making sure there is a safe gap in both lanes of the roundabout. Never change lanes once you’re in a roundabout.

Q:           Should I use my turn signal?

A:            Yes, especially when exiting a roundabout. Signaling allows vehicles waiting to enter the roundabout to know your intentions.

Q:           How do I know when it’s my turn to go?

A:            Roundabouts are not like four-way stops where drivers take turns. Drivers should enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic flow.

Q:           Does traffic approaching from one direction have priority over traffic approaching from another direction?

A:           Drivers inside the roundabout have the right-of-way over any driver entering the roundabout, regardless of approach direction. Every entrance has a yield sign for approaching vehicles.

Q:           What should I do when I’m in a roundabout and an emergency vehicle enters?

A:            It is safest to completely clear the intersection and pull off to the side past the roundabout.

Thanks to the Iowa Department of Transportation for many of the Q and A’s!