What is the primary purpose of one-way streets?

The primary purpose of one-way streets is to facilitate smoother traffic flow in one direction. By allowing traffic to move in a single direction, one-way streets help to reduce the potential for head-on collisions and simplify the navigation of intersections. This design can lead to more efficient use of road space and help minimize delays caused by vehicles needing to yield to oncoming traffic. Additionally, it can improve the overall safety of the roadway for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists, by creating predictable travel patterns and reducing the complexity of intersections.

One-way streets are particularly useful in urban areas where space is limited and high traffic volumes need to be managed effectively.