What is the purpose of a traffic circle?

The primary purpose of a traffic circle is to allow for safer navigation of intersections. Traffic circles, or roundabouts, are designed to reduce the number of conflict points where vehicles can collide, thus enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians. They facilitate the flow of traffic by allowing continuous movement, which minimizes stops and reduces the likelihood of crashes that often occur at traditional stop sign or traffic light intersections.

By using circular design, traffic circles encourage drivers to yield to incoming traffic rather than stopping, thereby improving overall traffic flow and reducing congestion at intersections. This design also provides a visual cue to drivers that they need to be more aware and vigilant as they navigate the intersection.

Decorative features may exist in traffic circles for aesthetic purposes, but they do not constitute the primary function of the structure, and regulating speed on highways is not relevant to the context of a traffic circle, as they are typically found at lower-speed intersections. Similarly, traffic circles are designed to alleviate, rather than increase, traffic congestion.