"Root" in the UK

But both pronunciations "root" and "rowt" are common in the US.

I think "root" is more common in the eastern US and "rowt" more common in the west.

I always used to say 'rowt' when I was younger, but my dad always corrected me, saying it was wrong. It's interesting to see that both are used in the US.

I hear the words about 50/50 in the US

Both are fine.  In the US, "root" is used more in reference to a particular road, while "rowt" refers more to the path or direction traveled. 

Example:

He drove to California on "Root" 66.  It was not the fastest "Rowt".

"root"