In July, Kimley-Horn conducted a survey asking first responders for feedback on the safety of roundabouts. Though planners and engineers often consider the effects of their work on first responders, this was the first nationwide survey since 2005 to ask police and firefighters for direct feedback about roundabouts. We reached out via email and social media and received 323 responses, representing 32 U.S. states and one Canadian province (Ontario).
Two-thirds of first responders noted that roundabouts made intersections safer, with less congestion and fewer collisions. In departments that reached a consensus about roundabouts, a majority (68%) found roundabouts to be beneficial to the community. When asked about whether roundabouts on the route impacted the department’s ability to respond to dispatch calls, most saw no change or some improvement.
Respondents provided 116 testimonials on roundabouts, which were mostly positive. A sample of testimonials from our survey are provided below:
Our survey findings are also anticipated to be presented at a near-future ITE conference, helping planners and engineers create roundabouts that help first responders work more efficiently and make their communities safer.
Hear from Kimley-Horn Roundabout expert, Jay VonAhsen, on how police, firefighters, and EMTs view roundabouts in their jurisdiction, including the effect of roundabouts on response time and perceived safety.
