Over 2,200 visitors to the Cayman 27’s Island Living Show, on 5-6 July 2013, learned road etiquette, including the proper use of roundabouts, at a booth manned by Streetskill, the public education arm of the National Road Safety Strategy Committee.

Streetskill representatives from the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL), National Roads Authority (NRA), Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), Public Works Department (PWD), and Government Information Services (GIS) were on hand to answer questions and review rules of the road with interested persons.

RCIPS Chief Inspector and George Town Area Commander, Angelique Howell says the group was motivated by a need to improve the information and education that is available to drivers. “Our roads are busy with many different users, all of whom need to take responsibility to know the rules of the roads and to ensure safety for all road users,” she states.

Many visitors had specific questions which were answered by the Streetskill team.  Commenting on popular questions asked by the public, DVDL Supervisor of Operations, Roy Bush says, “The most common inquiries concerned the proper use of roundabouts and the right-of-way of road users.”

To help make such matters clear for drivers Mr Bush recommends the Road Code book, which he describes as a must have for all road users; including new and experienced drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists.  “In addition to rules and laws, a simple understanding of the right-of-way, the use of courtesy, and indicators/hand signals can often reduce confusion on the road and avoid incidents,” he explains.

First published in September 2012, the booklet is available for sale at the DVDL offices in George Town, West Bay and Cayman Brac, at a cost of KYD $10.00.  The booklet was available for sale at the Island Living show, as well, hundreds of the free NRA ‘How to use a roundabout’ brochures were given out to the public.

The Streetskill campaign was, launched on 1 May 2006 by the National Roads Authority (NRA), the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), Cayman Islands Road Safety Advisory Council (CIRSAC) and Government Information Services (GIS). It aims to educate motorists and influence their driving behaviour.

Streetskill organisers are actively seeking sponsors, partners, and community support, to achieve their objectives.

For more information, or to contact Streetskill, email [email protected] and like Streetskill on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StreetskillCaymanIslands.

Photos by captions Photo by GIS

1.         L-R: DVDL Supervisor of Operations, Roy Bush, RCIPS George Town Area Commander, Angelique Howell, and booth visitors.

2.         DVDL Supervisor of Operations, Roy Bush and two future drivers, Leelan and Kenny, whose interests were primarily bicycle and pedestrian safety.