30.4 Increasing Driver Yielding Rates at Roundabouts

Many motorists overlook pedestrians as they enter roundabouts because they place their focus on evaluating gaps between upstream vehicles. Motorists exiting roundabouts accelerate, making it more difficult to stop for crossing pedestrians. Countermeasures are available to improve driver yielding (Table 30.2).

Table 30.2 Countermeasures to Improve Motorist Yielding at Roundabouts
Countermeasure	Description
Increase Driver Awareness of Crossing Pedestrians at Roundabout Exits	Install pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) or rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) on the exit legs of multilane roundabouts. A secondary option is to locate a beacon and crosswalk more than 20 ft. from the start of the exit leg.
Improve the Visibility and Conspicuity of Pedestrian Crossings	Use high-visibility crossing treatments and signs to alert motorists to the potential for pedestrians at approaches and exits.
Increase Sight Distance to Pedestrian Crossings	Verify roundabout exists preserve good sight lines between motorists and pedestrians.
Lower Vehicle Speeds at Roundabout Exits	Incorporate design features that discourage high acceleration out of roundabouts. Lower speeds increase the time motorists have to see and yield to pedestrians.

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