CAN SCHOOL BUSES USE ROUNDABOUTS?

Roundabouts near schools are designed to allow maneuverability by buses. Lane widths are such that buses have adequate room to turn through the roundabout and should generally be accommodated within the circulatory roadway without tracking the truck apron, causing discomfort to bus occupants.

CAN EMERGENCY VEHICLES SAFELY USE ROUNDABOUTS? 

Shared Mission – Shared Benefits: Saving lives and preventing serious injuries are the highest priority of both first responders and highway agencies. Roundabouts are safer intersections that result in fewer severe crashes requiring emergency response.

Safer intersections are important for first responder occupational safety and health, too. Studies show that most fatalities resulting from a crash involving a fire truck occur at, or are related to, an intersection. Further, angle crashes are the most common fatal crash type involving fire trucks. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and others cite intersections as high-risk locations for all emergency response disciplines.

At any intersection, traffic conditions vary throughout the day. Roundabouts can actually improve travel times by eliminating unnecessary stops and delays.

Roundabouts are no different from other intersections – drivers must clear the intersection, pull off to the right, and let the emergency vehicle pass. To help educate drivers, there are many excellent resources available from states and cities where roundabouts are common. First responders can contribute to general roundabout education and outreach in a community by helping explain to the public how to react when an emergency vehicle approaches.

Additional Information Link:

U.S. Dept. of Transportation: Roundabouts and First Responders

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