Choosing to drive in another country is a mixture of both fun, excitement and confusion. You may not know local driving laws and you probably won’t know local speed limits. Exercising caution in getting the necessary information is therefore, essential in any international driving.
Roundabouts
For those arriving in Barbados having driven almost only in North America, one of the first strange experiences you may find are called ‘roundabouts.’ Instead of an endless supply of traffic lights Barbados has decided to allow traffic to flow with the installation of roundabouts throughout the country. You need to slow down when approaching a roundabout as cars on the roundabouts have the right-of-way and you may not be able to enter the roundabout until you have a clear path. (Yes, we know there are three or four roundabouts in the US.)
It’s interesting to note that some countries like the UK have now put traffic lights on their roundabouts to further manage the flow of traffic. The hope that’s Barbados doesn’t follow such rules.
Sidewalks/pavements
Many roads on the island don’t have sidewalks and can make walking by the side of the road quite difficult. Always walk facing the traffic so you are able to make decisions to stand back if cars look as though they might be getting too close to you. Better than cars arriving at your rear!
Children
Children need to be restrained if they’re traveling in a car. If they are four or under they need to be in an approved child restraint designed for child of the appropriate age and weight; car seats to the rest of us. The driver is responsible to ensure all children under 14 wear their seatbelts. It’s no excuse to say they could check themselves.
Seatbelts
It’s a little-known fact that seatbelts are required for front seat passengers and rear seat passengers, by law. Not only are they required, but they must be used properly as well.
Cell phones
Mobile, often called cell phones, can’t be used by a driver while driving. It’s recommended that people pull over complete the call to satisfaction, end the call and then continue driving to their destination.
