Most Mississippi residents are as careful as possible while driving. However, even with the best of intentions, mishaps that lead to car accidents can happen. Roundabouts are among the most challenging areas to drive through; these are the main causes of accidents in such areas.
Understanding roundabouts
Roundabouts are traffic circles designed to help the flow of traffic without frequent stops that could lead to car accidents. These roadways are common in Europe but are gaining ground in Mississippi and other parts of the United States to increase traffic capacity and ease other roads. Often, they are considered safer due to the lack of intersections and traffic lights, but factors like driver inexperience, distraction and intoxication can make the opposite true.
At the same time, roundabouts help prevent certain types of accidents from happening. For example, head-on collisions or T-bone accidents are less likely to occur.
Causes of accidents in roundabouts
Although roundabouts are considered safer, accidents may still occur. Drivers must yield to traffic already in a roundabout when attempting to enter; if someone is unsure when to proceed, it could cause a car accident with oncoming traffic. Speeding or reckless driving can also create a dangerous situation and lead to a crash.
Often, there is more traffic in a roundabout. This creates too many merge points, which could confuse some drivers and lane changes that increase the risk of accidents. If bicyclists and pedestrians are in the area, it could further exacerbate the risk of them being struck by a motor vehicle.
Sometimes, a driver might try to cut off another vehicle to save time in a roundabout. They turn left in front of another car or even a bicycle to do this. This maneuver can put everyone else in danger of a collision. Bicyclists and pedestrians may also be at a higher risk of accidents and injuries because their designated areas, if there are any, are narrower.
If you have been injured in a car accident, consult an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.
