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Roundabouts are a “key component of the Lake County highway system” according to the Lake County, Illinois Division of Transportation. While roundabouts are still less common than intersections controlled by traffic lights or stop signs, every Lake County driver should know how to use roundabouts safely and what to do if an accident occurs.
Lake County Roundabouts
Since 2010, six roundabouts have been added in Lake County, including the roundabout at:
- Riverwoods Road and Everett Road (2010)
- Wadsworth Road and Hunt Club Road (2011)
- Hunt Club Road and Millburn Road (2011)
- Monaville Road and Cedar Lake Road (2013)
- River Road and Roberts Road (2015)
- 14th Street at Dugdale Street (2019)
Modern roundabouts are typically narrower, have splitter islands to aid with traffic flow, and are designed to accommodate both trucks and pedestrians in addition to passenger vehicles. Other types of roundabouts include traffic circles and full stop roundabouts. Both exist in Illinois and do not provide the same safety protections as modern roundabouts.
10 Roundabout Driving Safety Tips
As you approach a roundabout in Lake County, it is essential to:
- Get into the correct lane as soon as you can when taking the exit.
- Reduce your speed before trying to enter the roundabout.
- Watch for bicyclists and pedestrians when entering, exiting, and traveling on the roundabout.
- Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. The traffic will be coming from your left.
- Stop and do not enter the roundabout if a fire engine, police car, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle is already in the roundabout.
- Once you are in the roundabout, keep moving to the right of the center island and travel counterclockwise. Do not stop unless it is necessary to avoid a collision.
- Stay in the appropriate lane.
- Do not pass other vehicles in the roundabout.
- Use your right turn signal to indicate your intention to exit the roundabout.
- Maintain a low speed while on the roundabout and when exiting the roundabout.
Some of these may seem like common sense to you. However, other drivers may not follow the same rules, and dangerous collisions may occur.
Roundabout Accidents and Recoveries
Roundabouts don’t present the same risks as other types of intersections. For example, there is little risk of a head-on collision or a T-bone crash. However, the risks of rear-end crashes, sideswipe accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian crashes remain. These accidents can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
In some cases, particularly in bicycle and pedestrian crashes, the crash injuries may be fatal.
Whether your loved one died or you suffered an injury, you need to know how to protect your recovery. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, then you have the right to seek damages. You may be able to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or make a financial recovery at trial if you have the evidence and legal arguments to prove your case.
Our experienced car accident lawyers have represented thousands of personal injury victims and recovered more than $1 billion on their behalf. Insurance companies know that our Illinois car accident attorneys mean business and are often more willing to negotiate with us. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, then we will fight for your recovery in court.
Our goal is to make sure that you recover fair compensation for all of your past and future:
- Healthcare costs, including hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, doctors’ appointments, and other costs.
- Lost income, including wages, bonuses, benefits, and income from self-employment.
- Physical pain and emotional suffering.
- Other accident-related damages, such as household help and transportation costs that you didn’t need prior to the accident.
To learn more, please contact us today. We would be pleased to provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation in our Gurnee office after a Lake County roundabout crash, in our Rockford or Bloomington office, in your home, or hospital room.
