What is the purpose of a roundabout?

The primary purpose of a roundabout is to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Roundabouts are designed to keep vehicles moving smoothly without the need for stop signs or traffic lights, allowing for a continuous flow of traffic. They encourage lower speeds through their design, which minimizes the potential for serious collisions compared to traditional intersections, where more severe accidents often occur due to right-angle or head-on collisions.

In addition to improving traffic efficiency, roundabouts also enhance safety by reducing the points of conflict between vehicles. This careful engineering helps decrease both the frequency and severity of accidents, making them a safer alternative for handling intersections.

While some other options mention aspects of traffic management, they do not capture the main goals of roundabouts. For instance, allowing for faster speed limits contradicts the intended slower speeds promoted by roundabouts, and while U-turns may be facilitated to some extent, this is not their primary function. Lastly, increasing parking availability is not relevant, as roundabouts are not intended for parking purposes but rather for managing the flow of passing traffic.