What is the purpose of a roundabout?

The purpose of a roundabout is to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic by allowing vehicles to yield rather than stop, which helps to minimize delays and reduce the likelihood of collisions. The circular design encourages lower speeds, making it safer for vehicles merging, entering, and exiting. Additionally, roundabouts often reduce the number of conflict points between vehicles compared to traditional intersections, which significantly decreases the chances of serious accidents. Their effectiveness in improving overall traffic conditions makes them a preferred option in many road systems.

The other options, while touching on aspects of road use, do not capture the primary function of roundabouts. Parking space creation and scenic routes are not directly related to the fundamental design and operational goals of roundabouts, nor is speeding up vehicle travel a core design objective, as safety and efficient traffic flow are prioritized instead.