Jamaica Gleaner

Rules of the road

- – Courtesy of Cliff Hylton Excerpts from the Jamaica Driver’s Guide

Mitsubishi L200 interior.

WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT OVERTAKE?

At a road junction, on a corner or bend, on the brow of hill, at a pedestrian crossing, on a hump-back bridge, where the road narrows, or where the road is divided with an unbroken white line.

WHEN CAN YOU OVERTAKE ON THE LEFT?

On a one, way road, at a roundabout, when a driver in front gives a signal that he is about to turn right, passing a line of slow-moving vehicles in order to clear a traffic congestion, turning left at crossroads, on a four-lane road.

WHAT IS A SLIP ROAD?

It is an entrance on the corner of a major intersecti­on which allows vehicles turning left to filter without causing inconvenie­nce to other vehicles crossing the intersecti­on. This can be used on any light, providing the way is clear.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT?

Stop! If no policeman is on the scene, give your name and address to the person having reasonable grounds to require these particular­s. Report the accident to the police within 24 hours and produce your insurance certificat­e and driver’s licence.

WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY AT A ROUNDABOUT?

In general there is no right of way, you should approach with caution and give way to the vehicle on the right.

HOW MANY SIGNS ARE THERE AT A ROUNDABOUT?

There are four signs-Slow, Roundabout Ahead, Keep Left and Give Way.

WHERE SHOULD YOU NOT PARK?

Between no-parking signs, before a fire hydrant, within 12 metres (40 feet) of a road junction, on the brow of a hill, before a private entrance, at a pedestrian crossing, at a bus stop, where the road narrows, on a bridge or under-pass, on a corner, immediatel­y opposite a parked vehicle (double parking), or on a main road carrying fast-moving traffic. NB: When parking, stop your vehicle as close as possible to the kerb.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF A BROKEN WHITE LINE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD?

In the case of a broken white line you can overtake, providing it is safe.

WHAT IS A DUAL CARRIAGEWA­Y?

It is a two-way road divided by a strip of land in the middle.

HOW FAR SHOULD YOU TRAVEL BEHIND AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE?

Approximat­ely 150 metres (500 feet).

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