Why are roundabouts designed to enhance traffic flow?

Roundabouts are specifically designed to enhance traffic flow primarily by reducing the likelihood of severe accidents. This is achieved through their unique circular layout, which allows vehicles to continuously move in the same direction around a central island. This design minimizes the potential for high-speed, angle collisions that are common at traditional intersections where vehicles may collide while attempting to make left turns or cross paths.

By reducing the chances of severe accidents, roundabouts not only improve safety but also maintain a smoother traffic flow, as vehicles do not need to come to a complete stop as often as they would at signal-controlled intersections. The continuous movement helps in reducing delays, making the overall traffic experience more efficient for drivers.

The other options, while related to traffic concepts, do not directly reflect the primary purpose of roundabouts in enhancing traffic flow. For example, lane changes are generally less necessary in roundabouts because vehicles merge rather than change lanes at an intersection. Taking left turns is simplified in roundabouts, but this isn't the core reason for their design and implementation. Lastly, roundabouts do not inherently provide more parking spaces, as their primary function is traffic management rather than parking facilitation.