Avoid these States: The Roundabout Capitals of America If you’re like many drivers, the mere mention of roundabouts may elicit a groan or two. These circular intersections can be confusing and frustrating to navigate, and depending on where you live, you may encounter them more frequently than you’d like. In fact, certain states have a higher concentration of roundabouts than others, leading to potential encounters with these traffic features on a daily basis. But first, let’s clarify what a roundabout actually is. Roundabouts, also known as traffic circles or rotaries, are designed to facilitate the safe and efficient flow of traffic. Vehicles enter the roundabout through curved approaches, yield to traffic from the left, and proceed in a counterclockwise direction around an island. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts have been shown to reduce crashes resulting in injury or death by approximately 80% when compared to two-way stop intersections or intersections with traffic lights. There are three common types of roundabouts: rotaries, which are typically larger and older