What is known about the risk of accidents due to excessive speeds at roundabouts?
27th October 1967, Page 77
27th October 1967
Page 77
Page 77, 27th October 1967
— What is known about the risk of accidents due to excessive speeds at roundabouts?
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ARecent research suggests that most drivers cannot correctly assess road speeds after decelerating from high speeds on motorways. One driver under test who was asked to drop his speed to 20 mph from 80 mph at a roundabout at the end of a motorway entered the roundabout at nearly 50 mph. The University of Bradford has carried out research into drivers' reaction times.
Further research is necessary to classify the relative abilities of drivers to judge safe speeds in various road conditions.
Current thinking suggests that better positioning of speedometers, graded speed limits and, possibly, geometric road surface patterns at approaches to danger areas and more appropriately placed road signs, would contribute to safety at roundabouts.