Have you ever seen a circular intersection where cars continuously flow in one direction around a central island? That is a “roundabout,” a well-known alternative to traditional intersections. Drivers enter and exit at different points without relying on traffic lights. Their primary purpose is to improve traffic flow and minimize the likelihood of high-speed collisions, particularly dangerous T-bone and head-on crashes.
Roundabouts have existed and been implemented for over a century. In the 1960s, the modern roundabout emerged in the UK, with added rules for yielding. Unlike intersections with red lights, roundabouts allow vehicles to continue moving at a controlled pace, eliminating the stop-and-go patterns that cause congestion. From an environmental perspective, roundabouts offer significant advantages. Continuous movement means less fuel consumption, resulting in lower carbon emissions. In some cases, roundabouts have been shown to decrease fuel use by up to 30 percent, making them a practical choice for cities aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.
Some roundabouts have become renowned landmarks, going beyond their practical transportation function. One of the most famous is Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, France. This spectacular circular intersection surrounds a popular tourist attraction, the Arc de Triomphe, and connects 12 avenues. Another noted roundabout is Piccadilly Circus in London, UK. Though smaller, it is famous for its bright lights and colorful city life. These roundabouts are not just traffic solutions but also cultural and historical symbols.
Photo: Freepik / 照片：Freepik
Although roundabouts offer numerous advantages, constructing one requires significant space, and they may cause potential confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the system. Pedestrians may also find them harder to cross safely. Despite these challenges, roundabouts still remain a vital part of modern transportation planning because of their safety and efficiency.
你是否曾看過一種圓形的路口，許多車輛繞著中央島不斷單向行駛？那就是「圓環」，一種廣為人知的傳統十字路口替代方案。駕駛人從不同的地點進出圓環，無需依賴交通號誌。圓環的主要目的是改善車流，並減少高速碰撞的可能性，特別是危險的側撞與對撞事故。
圓環已存在並施行超過一個世紀。在西元1960年代，現代圓環於英國出現，增加了禮讓的規則。與有紅綠燈的十字路口不同，圓環允許車輛以受控的速度持續行駛，消除造成壅塞的走走停停模式。從環境角度來看，圓環具有顯著優勢。持續行進意味著較少的燃油消耗，從而降低碳排放。在某些案例中，圓環已顯示可減少高達30%的燃油用量，使它們於旨在減少環境足跡的城市中成為合適的選擇。
有些圓環已成為著名地標，超越了它們實用的交通功能。其中最著名的是位於法國巴黎的戴高樂廣場。這個壯觀的圓形路口圍繞著一個熱門的旅遊景點──凱旋門，並連接12條大道。另一個知名圓環則是位於英國倫敦的皮卡迪利圓環。雖然較小，但它因其明亮的燈光和豐富多彩的城市生活而聞名。這些圓環不僅是交通解決方案，也是文化與歷史的象徵。
儘管圓環有許多優點，但興建一個圓環需要相當大的空間，而且對不熟悉該系統的駕駛人會造成潛在困惑。行人也可能發現他們更難安全穿越。儘管有這些挑戰，由於其安全性和效率，圓環仍是現代交通規劃中的重要的一部分。
MORE INFORMATION
roundabout n. 圓環
intersection n. 交叉路口；十字路口
collision n. （車輛的）碰撞
stop-and-go adj. 走走停停的
congestion n. 擁擠；阻塞
renowned adj. 著名的
Place Charles de Gaulle 戴高樂廣場
Piccadilly Circus 皮卡迪利圓環
KEY VOCABULARY
1. circular adj. 圓形的；環形的
The dancers moved in a circular pattern, forming a beautiful shape in the center of the stage.
舞者以圓形的隊形移動，在舞台中央形成一個美麗的圖案。
2. likelihood n. 可能性
Regular exercise lowers the likelihood of developing heart-related health issues.
規律運動能降低罹患心臟相關疾病的可能性。
3. yield v. 禮讓；停車讓道
Andy slowed down and yielded to the ambulance coming from behind.
安迪減速並禮讓後方駛來的救護車。
4. emission n. 排放物；散發物
Factories must reduce harmful emissions to meet the government’s environmental protection standards.
工廠必須減少有害排放物，以符合政府的環保標準。
5. attraction n. 吸引人的事物；景點
tourist attraction 旅遊景點
Natural attractions like waterfalls and mountains bring thousands of tourists to the area each year.
像瀑布和高山這類自然景點每年吸引成千上萬遊客造訪此地區。
6. pedestrian n. 行人
Pedestrian safety has become a growing concern in areas with high vehicle speeds.
在車速較高的區域，行人安全已成為日益受到關注的議題。
7. despite prep. 儘管
Despite feeling nervous, Joyce gave an excellent presentation in front of the entire class.
儘管感到緊張，喬伊絲還是在全班面前發表了一場精彩的演講。
8. vital adj. 極為重要的
It is vital for students to learn time management skills during high school.
學生在高中階段學會時間管理技能是非常重要的。
9. efficiency n. 效率
The new machine improved the factory’s efficiency by producing more products in less time.
新機器提升了工廠的效率，在更短時間內生產出更多產品。
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