Serious question, why the roundabout panic ignores basic physics

I live near where they put in a new roundabout last month. Most of my neighbors are upset, saying it's confusing and causes more close calls. I see their point, but I think they're overlooking the physics involved. From my watch, cars slow down more when entering the circle, which cuts the crash force if one happens. The curved path makes vehicles turn, lowering speed without sudden stops. I timed cars from my window for a week. Compared to the old four-way stop, the flow is smoother with fewer hard brakes. It's all about centripetal force keeping things moving in a circle, so energy goes into turning not hitting. Change is tough, but the science backs this design for safety.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_nora1mo agoMost Upvoted

That part about centripetal force keeping things moving isn't quite right. It's the force that makes things turn, not go in a straight line.

ninar511mo ago

So does that mean roundabouts use centripetal force to slow cars?

garcia.mia1mo ago

You mentioned centripetal force keeping things moving. I read a study that said roundabouts cut fatal crashes by like 90 percent. That slower speed you noticed is the whole point, it makes fender benders way less deadly.