Roundabouts are often hailed as a modern solution to urban traffic woes: they reduce vehicle speeds, eliminate high-speed T-bone collisions, and, in theory, create calmer, safer streets. That’s why Santa Ana, like many cities across the country, has been steadily installing them—from downtown corridors to quiet residential blocks—as part of a broader traffic-calming initiative.

But when a roundabout sits near a crosswalk where a beloved community member is struck and killed, as happened to 69-year-old Maria Rubalcava de Ruesga on Bishop and Shelton Streets in November 2025, it’s not enough to point to national statistics. Residents are asking urgent, localized questions: Is this design working here? For whom? And at what cost?

The fatal crash—followed just days later by a multi-vehicle collision near another downtown roundabout at Bush and 8th Streets—has amplified long-simmering concerns. Neighbors report confusion, erratic driver behavior, and even increased speeding as motorists navigate unfamiliar circular patterns. One roundabout, converted from a straightforward four-way stop, has become a frequent site of near-misses, according to local accounts.

This isn’t to say roundabouts are inherently flawed. Data from the Federal Highway Administration and transportation engineers consistently show they reduce severe crashes by up to 80% compared to signalized intersections. But success depends on more than just asphalt and paint. It hinges on clear signage, proper lighting, adequate pedestrian crossings, driver education—and, crucially, community input before construction begins.

Santa Ana’s commitment to Vision Zero—eliminating traffic deaths—is commendable. Yet infrastructure that prioritizes vehicle flow over pedestrian clarity can backfire, especially in neighborhoods with seniors, children, and high foot traffic. If residents feel less safe, that’s a signal worth heeding.

We urge the City of Santa Ana to pause, listen, and evaluate. Release before-and-after crash data. Conduct a safety audit of recently installed roundabouts. Host neighborhood forums—not just for explanation, but for co-design. Safety isn’t just about engineering metrics; it’s about whether people feel secure walking to the bus stop or crossing the street to visit a neighbor.

Roundabouts can be part of a safer future—but only if they’re designed with people, not just traffic, in mind.

— The OC Reporter Editorial Board