What are roundabouts?

Roundabouts are defined as circular intersections featuring a central island where vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to the traffic already circulating within it. This design helps facilitate a continuous flow of traffic and reduces the likelihood of accidents compared to traditional intersections. By requiring entering vehicles to yield, roundabouts typically enhance safety and efficiency, allowing for smooth transitions and minimizing stop-and-go scenarios. Furthermore, because traffic moves in one direction around the central island, the potential for head-on collisions is significantly decreased.

In contrast, other options describe different intersection features that do not accurately represent the characteristics of roundabouts. Some mention U-turns or two-way intersections, which have different traffic rules and flow patterns that do not apply to roundabouts. Understanding the specific operation and yield rules associated with roundabouts is crucial for safe navigation and compliance with traffic laws.