It is less likely to have a crash at the "Wreck-It" roundabout in Rockford than at a stoplight.

A Roundabout Intersection Is Safer Than A Stoplight

I was in total shock when I saw this information posted on Facebook by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

They claim that intersections with roundabouts are safer than ones with stoplights.

I am simply stunned because it is really hard to believe. IDOT must have left the "Wreck-It' Roundabout at Auburn Street and North Main Street in Rockford off their statistics. There seem to be fender-benders there a lot.

What IDOT Says About Roundabouts

According to idot.illinois.gov,

"These circular intersections efficiently move traffic counterclockwise around a center island, offering safety, environmental and economic benefits to drivers and communities."

 

"Roundabouts reduce 32 conflict points from traditional intersections with traffic signals or stop signs, to only 8 conflict points, lowering chances of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes."

 

"Roundabouts require driving 25 mph or slower giving drivers more reaction time to other vehicles or pedestrians in crosswalks."

How To Drive In A Roundabout

I think one of the big problems with our roundabout here in the Forest City is drivers do not know how to navigate through one correctly.

Here is a simple "how-to" diagram. Hopefully, this will help.

Lake County Division of Transportation
Lake County Division of Transportation
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If you are still confused, check out this video.

Video: How To Drive In A Roundabout

Driving through a roundabout should be part of the behind-the-wheel test to get your driver's license in Rockford. There would be a lot fewer people on the road.

See the Must-Drive Roads in Every State

Can You Identify These 20 Intersections in Rockford?

Rockford has some weird intersections as well as "worst" intersections. Test your knowledge and see if you can correctly name all 20 of these interactions in the forest city.

 

 

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