Roundabouts are small raised islands placed in the middle of an intersection.
They are typically landscaped with ground cover and street trees. Roundabouts require drivers to slow to a speed that allows them to comfortably maneuver around them. Roundabouts are often called traffic circles, but there is a definite difference between a roundabout and a traffic circle. Comparing Roundabouts And Traffic Circles Roundabouts are different from the traditional traffic circle that most Americans envision. The table below illustrates some of the differences between a roundabout and a traffic circle.