5.2 Junctions, Turning and Emerging

Most collisions in towns happen at junctions, where traffic streams cross. Barbados law approaches junctions from one principle: do not obstruct anyone, and anything that creates a risk of an accident is obstruction.

The duty not to obstruct (reg. 31(7))

You must not:

• cross a road;
• turn in a road;
• proceed from one road onto another;
• drive from a place that is not a road (such as a driveway or car park) onto a road;
• proceed from a road into a place that is not a road; or
• move off from a stationary position,

unless you can do so without obstructing any other traffic on the road, and "he is obstructing traffic if he causes risk of an accident." If emerging would make another driver brake or swerve, you are not entitled to go.

Approaching any junction (reg. 31(11))

Slow down and give the appropriate signal when approaching turnings or cross roads, or coming out of a private road or other place onto a public road. Use mirror, signal, manoeuvre:

1. Mirror: check what is behind you.
2. Signal: give a clear signal in good time.
3. Position and speed: get into the correct position and slow down.
4. Look: look right, left, and right again, plus any other direction traffic can come from.
5. Manoeuvre: turn only when it is safe.

Do not overtake at or approaching a junction (reg. 31(6)(b)(ii)), and do not stop within 10 metres of a corner unless traffic compels you (reg. 31(9)(a)).

Who goes first

Turning right (reg. 31(8))

When turning from one road onto another to the right, you must "drive round the point of intersection of the 2 roads," keep "as close as possible to the left side of each road," and "not pass in front of any on coming vehicle" except where signs indicate otherwise. In practice:

• Signal right in good time and move to just left of the centre of your road.
• Wait opposite the turn with your front wheels straight, so a rear-end collision does not push you into oncoming traffic.
• Let oncoming vehicles pass. Do not cut across their path.
• Turn into the left-hand side of the new road, checking for pedestrians crossing it.

Turning left

Barbados test answers say to keep well to the left side of the road when turning left into a minor road. Do not swing out to the right first, because that invites a cyclist or motorcyclist to pass on your left. Before turning, check your left mirror for cyclists, and give way to pedestrians crossing the mouth of the road.

Long vehicles

Buses and heavy goods vehicles need extra room. When turning they often swing out to the right before turning left, or straddle lanes at roundabouts. Do not try to pass them on the inside. Hold back until the turn is complete.

Emerging when your view is blocked

If parked vehicles, walls or vegetation block your view, stop, then edge forward slowly until you can see, ready to stop again. Never reverse back out of a junction (reg. 31(2)(b)). Make eye contact with pedestrians, and remember that motorcycles and bicycles are easy to miss behind pillars and other vehicles.

Junction hazards on Barbados roads

• Gaps and driveways. Many homes and businesses open straight onto the road. Regulation 31(7) applies to a driver leaving a driveway exactly as it does at a junction: do not come out unless you can do so without causing a risk of an accident.
• Buses and route taxis. They stop to pick up and set down near junctions. Watch for passengers crossing in front of or behind a stopped vehicle, and for the vehicle pulling out again.
• Parked vehicles near corners. It is an offence to stop within 10 metres of a corner (reg. 31(9)(a)) precisely because a parked vehicle hides traffic and pedestrians. Do not add to the problem.
• Hills. On a steep side road, use the handbrake while waiting at the junction so that you do not roll back into the vehicle behind.

Exam traps

• "Green means the junction is mine." A green light lets you proceed only if the way is clear (reg. 112(3)).
• "A STOP sign on an empty road can be rolled through." You must stop at the line every time.
• "Signal and go." A signal tells others what you intend. It gives you no right to move into their path.