What is the purpose of a roundabout?

The purpose of a roundabout is to facilitate the smooth and safe flow of traffic. Roundabouts are designed to enhance efficiency and reduce the likelihood of accidents compared to traditional intersections. By directing traffic in a circular motion, roundabouts encourage drivers to yield rather than stop completely, which keeps vehicles moving more fluidly. This design minimizes the potential for high-speed collisions that can occur when vehicles are moving straight through a stop-controlled intersection. Roundabouts improve safety by reducing conflict points and encouraging slower speeds, ultimately leading to a reduction in both severity and frequency of accidents.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the main purpose of a roundabout. While some may mistakenly believe that a roundabout confuses drivers or significantly slows down traffic, the goals of improving flow and safety are paramount.