Being British, roundabouts have never caused me any problems as I learnt the ‘give way’ golden rule even when I was a schoolboy.

On every roundabout in the British Isles you will see a sign that says “Give Way to Traffic on Right”.

Simple.

However, it is not simple here in the Cayman Islands.

When the Streetskill team hosted a booth at the recent Cayman27 Islands Living Show, the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) Supervisor of Operations, Roy Bush, said, “The most common inquiries concerned the proper use of roundabouts and the right-of-way of road users.”

One of the major reasons is the signage. At the roundabouts it just says “Give Way”.

Give Way. To whom?

I know it is “to traffic on the right”.  I know but the driver on the right or left may not know because, especially if he is a visitor to our islands, of the missing words on the signs.

Of course, the give way sign here assumes you will give way to traffic that is already on the roundabout and that will be coming at you (hopefully) from the right.

The other major problem here is indicating whether you are going left or right. It is often bad on our roads at any junction but at roundabouts it is appalling.

Again a sign saying you must indicate would help.

Of course this correct signage could be missed even if it was placed if our planners continue to allow illuminated signs on Cayman’s roundabouts. The DMS one by Hurley’s is just asking for a major accident to happen. At night it is even more distracting with it being so bright you are likely to miss even the vehicle on the roundabout.

There are other rules to learn and remember but if we can only learn the “Give way to traffic on right” that would be a good start.

Clear signage that cannot be misinterpreted and seen. PLEASE