Issuu

Governor’s Office

Cayman Islands Government

16th November 2021

I am delighted to say a few words of welcome to new car drivers in the Cayman Islands. We are very blessed to have excellent roads but we also have challenges around road safety. There are too many accidents because of poor quality driving or driving under the influence of alcohol. You need to take care on the roads, Please help ensure that everyone in the community knows how to drive safely, not just for themselves but for everyone else and their families.

Whether you have just reached the age of 17 and can start to learn to drive, or you have been driving for years but need to pass the road test to convert your overseas driving licence to a Cayman Islands one, the Drive Safely in Cayman driving book goes into exhaustive depth to teach you how to be safe on Cayman’s roads.

Whether it is learning to navigate one of our many roundabouts or what our road signs mean, we hope you will take the time to learn everything you can to keep both yourself and other drivers safe on Cayman’s roads.

Happy driving!

HE Governor Martyn Roper

PREFACE

Throughout this book a driver may be advised to take actions; to stop, to go ahead, or to turn. It goes without saying, that the driver must follow the basic rule, simply M S M.

Firstly

M MIRROR

Check the mirrors to see what other cars are near your path, You should be doing this anyway!

Secondly

S SIGNAL

(Indicate) in good time so that other drivers are aware of your intentions.

Thirdly M MANOEUVRE

Make the manoeuvre carefully and considerately.

Many pages of this book have laws that drivers MUST obey. These are highlighted in the margin with a red marker. Observe these for your own good or disregard these at your peril.

A young person invariably believes that he or she is superbly fit both mentally and physically This is not true, in fact he is still puny in comparison to a car weighing almost a ton and travelling at maybe seventy or eighty miles per hour.

Read this book once to get the feel of it. Then read it again but this time studying it carefully. As the saying used to be, read and inwardly digest.

It could be pointed out that this book has been written by someone with many years of driving experience. How has the author achieved this? Simply by obeying the rules and taking the advice of other more experienced drivers.

INTRODUCTION

It is no wonder these days that there are so many road accidents. It used to be parents, usually the fathers, who encouraged good driving good driving. There are so many issues that are highlighted in this book:

• Reckless speeding

• It seems too much bother to use indicators even at large roundabouts

•Changing lanes on approaching or leaving a roundabout without indicating or watching for other car movements.

• Tailgating is common, almost normal.

• Dazzling by cars driving on full beam headlights on well lit roads.

• E-bike rides, not having to have a test, not license not insurance.

All of these problems are dealt with in this book.

Another major concern is that when Dad took his son out for a practice, it would often be after dark. Nowadays the student or their parents will pay and instructor. While teaching driving in Cayman for 28 years it was rare for a student to want a lesson late evening. They just wanted to know the route where they would be taken on the road test with the minimum number of lessons. Driving at night is quite different from driving in the daytime. The Traffic Law should be revised to include proof of night driving experience.

I am grateful to those who have supported Drive Safely over the years.

Graham Walker

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book has only been possible thanks to the kindness, support and experience of many people. I am most grateful to those who have supported Drive Safely in Cayman over the years.

Particular thanks are due to Mike Johnston, whose name should also be on the front cover.

DON’T DRINK DRUG DRIVE AND DIE

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MEMBERS OF CIIA

Aon Risk Solutions (Cayman) Ltd.

BBP Insurance Ltd. S.A. d/b/a Cay Med Plus

Balderamous Insurance Services Ltd.

BAF General Insurance Brokers (Cayman) Ltd.

BAF Insurance Company (Cayman) Ltd.

Bogle Insurance Brokers Ltd.

British Caymanian Insurance Co. Ltd.

Caribbean Insurance Practice (International) Ltd.

Cayman First Insurance Company Ltd.

Cayman Insurance Centre Ltd.

CINICO

Fidelity Insurance (Cayman) Ltd.

F.I.S. Insurance Brokers Ltd.

First Financial Insurance Brokers Ltd.

International Healthcare Solutions Ltd.

Island Heritage Insurance Company Ltd.

JEN International Brokers Ltd.

Marsh Management Services (Cayman) Ltd.

Massy United Insurance td.

Pelican Trading Company Ltd

Rossborough (Cayman Islands) Limited

Sagicor Life of the Cayman Islands Ltd.

SaxonMG Insurance Company Ltd.

SRS (Cayman) Ltd.

The Insurance Company of the West Indies (Cayman Ltd.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF CIIA

Andrews Key Ltd. / Integra Realty Resources - Caribbean

J.E.C. Property Consultants Ltd.

LEARN THIS FIRST

Introduction to general traffic laws

TRAFFIC LAWS

Driving Licenses

The age of qualifications for driving various vehicles are:

From seventeen years:

• A motor-cycle with an engine less than 125cc

• A rental car or station wagon

• A rental car

Car rental companies each have their own rules but will not normally agree to their cars being driven by someone who is less than 21, or in some cases 25 years of age.

The law is that for a fully licensed and insured driver they are permitted to drive from the age of eighteen years.

From the age of nineteen years they are permitted to drive a motor-cycle with an engine less than 125cc. To ride a motor-cycle with an engine larger this the rider must show proof the he has ridden a motor-cycle, less than 125cc, for at least two years.

A person who drives a vehicle is guilty of a very serious offence if he is not licensed to drive that group of vehicles or if he is not fully covered by an insurance policy to drive it.

The owner of a vehicle who allows someone to drive the vehicle who does not have a valid license is guilty of a serious offense. The penalty for either of these offenses is normally about CI$1,500 and the loss of the driving license for 12 months for both the driver and the owner of the vehicle.

A person who is newly resident on the island and has a full valid driving licence from another country can, with certain exceptions, obtain a full Caymanian licence after passing the theory test. He/she would not need to take the practical road test, provided they obtained the Cayman licence within three months. If they applied after three months it is necessary to take the theory test, obtain a provisional licence and then take the practical road test. This quite expensive and considerable delays will occur and one cannot drive until after the tests have been completed. A new resident may NOT use a Visitor’s Permit here after having obtained a work permit for example. It is a Visitor’s Permit.

Anyone who applies for a driving licence or applies to obtain a full Cayman licence on the strength of a full licence from abroad and knows he is disqualified from driving and holding a licence in that country is committing an extremely serious offence.

TRAFFIC LAWS

A genuine visitor to Cayman may obtain a Visitor’s Permit by producing a license currently valid from another country and paying the appropriate fee. A permit may be obtained from one of the Driving License offices or from a car rental company. Note however, the car rental companies may only issue the permit if a vehicle is rented at the same time. If a visitor is to use a privately owned vehicle, then the visitor’s permit must be obtained, issued by a Driving License office. These offices are open only on weekdays.

A full driving license will be issued for either three, five or ten years. No further practical road test are required on renewal.

TYRES

Tyres

The tread on all tyres must have a depth of one millimeter around the circumference and across seventy five per cent of the width. The spare wheel in the trunk must also comply with these limits and MUST we properly inflated. So check it at least once a week.

Tyres are damaged when striking pot holes and kerbs. This damage is often difficult to see. If a tyre is damaged it can suddenly ‘blow’ and you may find your car or truck is out of control. Fatal accidents are frequently recorded, especially in North America or Europe.

Any tyre more than ten years old should be scrapped.

Wear on tyres should not exceed these limits

25% of its breadth. This requirement also includes the spare wheel. Radial tyres must not be mixed with other types on the same axle. If radial tyres are fitted, then all tyres, including the spare, must be radial.

The circumference is the whole of the tread around the wheel.

This tyre has no tread

This one has one millimetre of tread

3/4 of the width of the tyre must have a good tread

SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAGS

Seat Belts

Perhaps you have seen someone who has been thrown through a car windscreen and she has been cut to shreds or has received some other dreadful injuries you would get the feeling that you too should be amongst those who belt (buckle) up.

A woman whom I met frequently on a business basis was indifferent, sometimes she did and sometimes she didn’t. Then one day her car was hit by another car. Luckily she was not injured. After that she always wore a seat belt. When we met she then pretended to put on a seat belt and quietly saying “Clunk Click, every trip.” And smiling at me!

On a sunny day in England I was driving on a country road. I was suddenly overtaken by another car. The driver was well over the speed limit and in order to pass me, was on the other side of the road. Another car was coming towards us. There was no chance for anyone to avoid a nasty accident. The oncoming car was driven by a young woman who came through her windscreen. Her head an especially, her face were not a pretty sight. She was not wearing a seat belt. She will be badly disfigured for the rest of her life.

The young man was wearing a seat belt but it had been put on for appearance and was too loose. He was complaining about his ribs. Another bystander was heard to say, “It was a pity it was not his neck.”

The Police an ambulances were soon on the scene. After having given all particulars we were free to go.

Child Booster Seats

AIR BAGS AND CHILD SEATS

Take the advice of experts in the matter of infant’s seats and child’s booster seats. Don’t ask me. Visit a specialist store such as The Baby Shoppe.

PASSING SCHOOL BUSES

General rules for passing school buses

You are not allowed to overtake, or pass a school bus on either side of the road when it is taking on, or letting off, passengers. You MUST stop until all of the children are clear of the road and the bus has moved off.

The meaning of a broken white line in the centre of the road is that you can overtake with care and that it marks the centre of the road. A yellow line in the centre of the road means you must not park on either side of the road.

Young school children should be expected to do foolish things. Adult drivers who are supposed to be mature must be responsible for the safety of all kids. Some time ago a teenage school kid who had been used to getting off a yellow school bus and running across the road as all road traffic should have come to a stop. One day, instead traveling on a school bus she rode on a regular bus. When it stopped to let her off she dashed across the busy road near Ocean Club in her usual fashion. A car hit her and she was in a coma for almost a week. She recovered but sadly was never as sharp as she had been.

The moral is two fold. First, be very careful when passing a stationery bus. Second, parents and schools should teach all children the different rules for the different types of bus.

LARGE TRUCKS

Large trucks and buses

It is not easy to handle a large truck. Some are heavy, hard to steer and have many gears to change, generally making them cumbersome.

Pay close attention to truck indicators when you are driving behind or alongside them. Trucks often have to make wide turns and must have an open space on the side to manoeuvre by turning, first opposite to the direction of the intended turn, and then swinging across in the direction they wish to go.

Remember also that it will take you longer to overtake a truck than a car. Be sure to move into a space in front of the truck only when you can see your rear view mirror.

Large trucks need special consideration so watch their indicators. Don’t get squeezed between a large truck and a pavement.

VEHICLE LIGHTS

Vehicles are not permitted to have any external light unless it is white, red, or amber. Vehicles must have red reflectors fitted on the rear of the vehicle. Blue spotlights at the front are unlawful.

All lights must be fixed ie. no light is permitted to be movable when the vehicle is being driven except that beam of a headlight may be on ‘full’ or ‘dipped’.

Headlights must be capable of being dipped to the left.

The lights on most American Cars dip to the right which is unlawful when in the Cayman Islands.

No light other than headlights, stop-lights, hazard lights or indicators may be more than seven watts.

No red light may be on the front of a vehicle nor may a white light be on the rear with the exception of a reversing light. No amber light is to be visible from the rear with the exception of the indicators.

No lights may be less than 18 inches no more than four feet from the ground. NOTE: Some SUVs have lights over four feet from the ground which is unlawful.

Pedal cycles must have a front and rear light plus a rear reflector. In addition, motorcycles must have a stoplight and a rear number plate light.

This book is directed to car drivers and drivers or other vehicles. The Cayman Islands Traffic Law requires all cycles to be fitted with lights. However, since cycle lights are easily removed it is a long time since these have been seen. So when you driving between dusk and dawn, take care be vigilant.

If you are parking in George Town and cannot see a yellow line on the side of the road, make sure you are allowed to park there by looking for a NO PARKING sign.

When you park your car at night and there are no parking spaces in a parking lot, you should find a well-lit street within 20 yards of a street light.

Emergency Vehicles

DRIVER’S & VEHICLE INSURANCE

It is the duty of every driver to pull over to the side of the road and to take any necessary avoiding action to clear the path for any emergency vehicle as soon as they are seen or their sirens are heard.

This part of the book includes information and ideas you should be aware of BEFORE you go out on the road.

GEARS & CLUTCHES

STARTING OFF

DRIVING PROCEEDURES

General driving

Remember the sequence of Mirror, Indicators and Manouevre. Always check your mirror first; then use your indicators and follow this by making the manouevre. Do not forget to check the blindspots if changing lanes. This should always be your routine when you get in your car.

PLACES WHERE YOU MUST STOP

STOP & GIVE-WAY SIGNS

You can see in Cayman, many drivers find it very difficult to obey this simple law.

RIGHT AND LEFT-HAND TURNS

Left-hand turn from main road to side road

Check your mirror and indicate left. Ensure there are no approaching vehicles cutting across in front of you. Check your mirror again.

Make the turn, adjusting your speed as necessary and giving way to any pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.

Note: Be extremely careful as pedestrians are more often than not making a phone call or sending a text message on a smart-phone and are oblivious to traffic, and anyway, they believe that if they walk in front of you that your vehicle will miraculously stop.

Turning on to a main road

This is the same procedure as a T-junction described on page 36, but the point to be emphasized here is the danger from other drivers who think they are high-speed hot-shots.

Drivers often look to the right to ensure the road is clear, glance to the left and drive out on to the main road. That look to the left must search every time for cars in the opposite lane with impatient drivers who are just about to overtake slower moving cars in front of them. These drivers are wrong if they are overtaking near a junction. What if you are coming out from a private property or from a concealed exit they had not noticed? It is up to everyone to drive carefully

RIGHT AND LEFT-HAND TURNS

Sadly, many houses are beside a road junction have walls, fences and light poles right up to the property lines. This makes it difficult to see traffic on a twisty main road when you are coming from a side road.

Consider that you are wishing to proceed on to the main road being stationary at the STOP line. Try this some time; park your car in a safe position from the junction. Count how many seconds it takes from being stationary at the STOP line to moving forward on to the main road and building up speed to that of the traffic already moving on it. You will be surprised at the time it takes.

Now if the main road you are entering has a few twists and turns in it do you believe you can get up to speed without causing the approaching traffic to brake, (Read the story on page 38). Now think of the young hot shots who are certain they are invincible and seem to care little for their own lives and nothing for yours. Light poles and shrubs obscure vision - SO BE

T-junctions

Check your mirror and indicate the direction you wish to turn. Stop on the lines in the correct position. If you are turning right at the junction keep close to the centre line on the approach road. Do not hug the left hand edge of the road and then turn hard right. This is very dangerous as cars behind you may be surprised at your action and hit you.

Look carefully to the right and left, and then to the right again. If you have been looking to one side while the traffic is coming towards you, it is imperative to look to the other side again. You are looking out for vehicles that maybe driving towards you, but also for pedestrians who may wander across your path. Move off when the road is clear.

As you are driving across the junction, do not just look ahead. Keep your head moving by looking to the right and to the left as well as to the front! Cars come from nowhere and if you are not careful, one can be upon you before you know it.

DANGEROUS T-JUNCTIONS

Give way at the junction unless it is a Stop junction where you MUST stop. Use your indicators as appropriate for the direction you wish to travel.

Having stopped at the junction you MUST check to the right and then to the left and then right again. Having ensured that it is clear you can proceed across it.

You must keep glancing to the right and to the left as well as looking ahead while crossing the junction. Having reached to the traffic lane on the main road get up to the speed of the traffic flow as soon as possible.

If you are behind a car at the stop sign and the driver in front pulls into the main road you can move up to the line but you MUST stop. You must not follow the other car through, or dribble through but make a full stop yourself.

T-junctions where the road curves back on each side are very common in Cayman and should be given extra caution. There may be hot a shot driver, tearing along and could suddenly be in your path and hit your car, must likely in a head on crash.

DANGEROUS T-JUNCTIONS

When you want to join a busy road and get into a stream of traffic moving quickly you must stop at the junction of the side road with the main road. If it has a giveway sign and broken lines instead of stop lines then slow down but make certain it is clear before proceeding.

Realise that what you must do is to join the road and get into the raffic flow and trhen watch the speed of the main roa traffic as soon as possible.

YOU MUST NOT move into the main road very slowly.

YOU MUST NOT cause the traffic on the main road to slow down because you have moved into a position in front of them.

Always use your indicators when turning at a junction. You will often find that you are held up at a junction unnecessarily when a car you were waiting for to come past suddenly turns off before it reaches you, but without using indicators.

At many junctions, especially where the roads are dual carriageways, U-turns are forbidden.

Traffic islands are frequently found where the intention is to keep opposing traffic flows safely apart.

Never drive over the edge

Just imagine you are driving in a mountainous country and the edge of the road is on the side with a drop of thousands of feet into the valley below. It is an exaggeration but it makes the point that you should not drive over the edge of the road lines. Especially if you are not concentrating If you did it on a driving test you would certainly fail.

TAILGATING

What do we mean by tailgating? It is when another vehicle, driven by an absolute menace, sits on your tail or rear bumper. They get so close one cannot see their license plate number. It is particularly unpleasant at night.

Impatient drivers who tailgate are in too much of a hurry to realise how foolish they are.

The blue car is too close

What should you do when this happens? Pull over to the left as much as you can and hope the impatient driver overtakes you.

You are required by law to leave one car’s length for every ten miles an hour of your speed if the conditions are good. If it is wet or the road surface is poor then double the distance.

View in your side mirror

How do you check four seconds.Count 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1004.

ROUNDABOUTS

The new three-lane roundabouts

One should drive on to these in exactly the same way as any other multilane roundabout but you have to exercise much more care. If you know in advance where you intend to drive it is a great help but if you do not know which direction to take until you are on the roundabout then you could be in trouble. No doubt in the fullness of time when the construction is complete and the direction signs are all in place it will be better If you are a newly qualified driver it would help if you had a passenger to follow through with you.

TWO-LANE ROUNDABOUTS

If you are turning left at the roundabout

Indicate left, well before you reach the white give-way lines entering the roundabout. You MUST be in the left lane. If you have to move into the left hand lane, make sure you indicate in good time and look over your left shoulder.

Ensure there are no other vehicles already on the roundabout, approaching from the right and are in the lane you want to use. If there are, wait for them to pass.

When it is clear, move forward keeping in the outer left lane of the roundabout and turn into the road you wish to leave on.

Safety note

If you were approaching the roundabout in the incorrect, right hand lane DO NOT attempt at a late stage to cut across to the left hand exit. You MUST go around the roundabout and exit correctly.

TWO-LANE ROUNDABOUTS

ACCIDENT PREVENTION

Remember it is not the vehicle you can see that is going to hit you, but the one that is behind the one you can see. Look for it.

TWO-LANE ROUNDABOUTS

This example is if you are driving all the way around the roundabout to return in the direction you have just come from.

You MUST approach the roundabout in the right hand lane so indicate right, well before you reach the white give-way lines entering the roundabout. Continue in the right-hand inner lane. As you reach the exit before the one you wish to leave on signal left. Look over your left shoulder for cars overtaking on the outer lane. Adjust your speed to safely enter a gap in the left outer lane. Move over carefully. Beware of cars entering the roundabout from your left.

Leave on the exit leading in the direction you wish to take. In the general case take the right-hand lane on the road you have just entered. The exception to this is if you need to take an immediate left turn to reach the License Office.

If you mistakenly find you are in the wrong, right-hand lane, you may find a bunch of cars overtaking you on your left making it impossible to get into the License Office safely. The ONLY remedy is to travel to the next roundabout and come back. Do NOT brake and stop until you can change lanes. Cars coming up behind you are most likely to hit you in the rear.

THREE-LANE ROUNDABOUTS

IF YOU FIND YOU HAVE NOT DRIVEN IN THE CORRECT LANE APPROACHING THE ROUNDABOUT DO NOT MAKE A SUDDEN CHANGE TO CORRECT THE MISTAKE. THIS IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR YOU AND OTHERS. DRIVE ON TO WHERE YOU CAN TURN AROUND SAFELY. APPROACH THE ROUNDABOUT CORRECTLY.

TO TURN LEFT:

You must approach in the left lane and indicate left

NOTE

Use and obey the white signs indicating the way to flow around the roundabout.

THREE -LANE ROUNDABOUTS

TO DRIVE STRAIGHT AHEAD:

Look for signs and road markings indicating which lane to use. Approach the roundabout in a lane indicating straight ahead. Indicate left to exit roundabout.

TURNING TO THE RIGHT:

Use the right hand lane to approach the roundabout and indicate right. Indicate left on reaching the exit before the exit youwish to use

DANGER POINTS ON ROUNDABOUTS

If this situation develops and you have seen the badly driven car, the correct action for you to take is to drive around the roundabout again and NOT turn off in front of the badly driven car. You might not make it if you do. The important lesson is to be observant of other vehicles at all times.

DANGER POINTS ON ROUNDABOUTS

OVERTAKING

Drivers who are following behind a vehicle that is turning into a side road or a driveway on the left all to often pull over to he right on the wrong side of the road and overtake the vehicle in fornt, even before it has turned into the side road. If there is a solid centre line in the road this is not only foolish but unlawful.

THREE POINT TURNS

NEVER make a three-point turn on a bend, on a hill or at a road junction. Make this manouevre briskly, in other words do not take all day to do it. When you are straddled across the road and a dump truck is coming around the corner at 90 miles an hour.

TRAVELLING STRAIGHT AHEAD

TURNING ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

If you are driving along Harbour Drive and want to turn down Fort Street, then the green filter will help. Don’t go over the stop line until the green arrow is showing or there is a good gap in the traffic coming towards you. Ignore, if you can, any drivers behind you who may sound their horn with impatience.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

When you park your car at night and there are no parking spaces in a parking lot, you should find a well-lit street within 20 yards of a street light.

If you are parking in George Town and cannot see a yellow line on the side of the road, make sure you are allowed to park there by looking for a NO PARKING sign.

You must not park beside a yellow line or at a bus/taxi stop.

You must NEVER park or stop at a pedestrian crossing. This is a very common error when cars are in a nose-to-tail, stop-go traffic in rush hour. It happens every morning on the approach to town.

You must NEVER park between the red studs and the crossing. Parking here blocks the view of the crossing. If there were to be an accident, the driver of the car parking illegally would be in trouble.

Parking is illegal between the red studs and the crossing

Note: What is written in this book is based upon the legal requirements. However, we must be honest. There is a desperate shortage of road signs and markings in Cayman. In the lifetime of this book it is possible that the situation will improve. In the same way that ignorance of the law is no defense, doing something illegal with your vehicle cannot be justified by saying there were no signs or road markings. You should know were you can park legally and where you cannot.

You must not park at the following places:

• Beside a yellow line by a kerb

• On a pavement (sidewalk)

• On a bend or on the brow of a hill

• In a No Parking area

• Where there is a continuous white or yellow line in the centre of the road

• Between the red studs and a pedestrian crossing

•Within 15 feet of a road junction

• At a bus stop or beside a taxi rank

• At entrances to hospitals, fire stations etc.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

Take very great care at extremely long crossings, even it has a traffic island in the middle. Caymanian officialdom still classifies these as a single crossing even if it straddles two or more distinct traffic lanes flowing in opposite directions.

Drivers often think the red studs on the approach to a crossing are the correct place to stop when there are pedestrians on the crossing. Not so, you must NOT park between the red studs of the crossing. The correct place to halt is about one car’s length from the crossing.

Drivers MUST NOT park their cars in the 45 feet space on the approach to the crossing from the red studs. Parking in this area obstructs the view of other drivers as they are coming up to the crossing. A pedestrian could be hit, even if they are using the crossing correctly, just because a driver could not see them and they could not see a car approaching.

Drivers often ask under what circumstances they must stop for pedestrians at a crossing? They wonder if this is only when the pedestrian has stepped on to a crossing that a driver MUST give way. However, be alert and be prepared to stop if the pedestrian steps on to it just as you are approaching. They could be busy messaging on their smartphone. It is best to be cautious.

Some of these crossings are simple and plain, but there are others with push button controlling the warning signs.

An extremely long crossing with island in the middle

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

CELL PHONES

Using a cell phone and texting while driving

In Cayman you are not permitted to use a cell phone while driving along the road. If you have inadvertently not switched it off when getting in the car and you do get a call, then you MUST pull over to the side of the road before answering, even if you miss the call.

When driving around the island one sees drivers with a cell phone glued to their ears. Can you drive around a corner having a conversation; pay attention to other road users; and steer a car safely with your ears, your brain and eyes switched off? It is a foolish question because it is obvious that you cannot do so.

A hands-free arrangement only means your hands can still hold the steering wheel. Your concentration on driving will be impaired. If you are involved in an accident you would deserve to be prosecuted for driving without full control of your vehicle.

In recent years an even worse problem is becoming all too prevalent. Sending a text message is much less expensive than making a voice call. Receiving or sending text messages while driving is absolutely crazy.

The most powerful words that can be sent to those young people, and not so young in fact, who send text messages all day is to turn off your cell phone when you are behind the wheel of a car.

CELL PHONES

Consequences of using a cell phone whilst driving

People these days believe it is normal to be using a cell phone all of the time, they cannot seem to be able to wait to respond to a caller. When they get behind the wheel of a vehicle it makes no difference to them. Some say that with a hands free phone it is quite OK, they can control their vehicle as well as have an in-depth conversation. This is nonsense. If we look at one dramatic accident it might get through to at least one driver.

Her last call was from her cell phone while driving …….Two young women were in a car and they came to a ‘T’ junction. The car driver was chatting away to a friend on the phone. She did not stop and pay proper attention to the traffic conditions so she did not observe a motor-bike approaching from the right at about 85 miles per hour. She pulled out in front of the motor-bike that slammed into her. At that speed the hotshot rider had no chance to avoid an accident.

The impact was so great that the bike and rider came completely into the car killing the two women and the bike rider instantly. The car actually flipped over from the force of the impact and ended up twenty feet from where the collision took place.

Use high beams only when oncoming vehicles are more than 500 feet away

South Church Street in George Town at dusk.

HEADLIGHT DAZZLING

As dazzling will be such a hazard to everyone until the government and police crack down on it we should continue looking at other aspects.

Bright modern lights dazzle drivers

Modern headlights on many cars are too bright and are distracting and the blame can be laid at the use of LED lamps. In a survey abroad one in six drivers claim to have only narrowly avoided an accident caused by the blinding glare of these new headlights. The same result is found in Cayman.

LEDs – light emitting diodes – have a lifespan and electrical efficiency several times greater than that of incandescent lamps they are replacing although they are much more expensive to buy.

One lighting expert, said the use of LEDs as headlamps is likely to be why people perceived them to be brighter when it is just that these are more directional. Rather than a spread of light from older style bulbs LED lamps are more focused. It is also blueish/white which is why it appears brighter in the dark.

Government guidelines state headlamps must illuminate the road ahead while not affecting the vision of oncoming vehicles.

Headlamp technology has advanced considerably, but it is presenting an unwanted new road safety hazard.

Drivers also find it distracting when they have to contend with being dazzled by bright lights in their rear view mirror as well as in front of them.

The situation in Cayman with drivers having their headlights on full (main) beam when driving at night on a road with streetlights becomes worse each day. When a vehicle is approaching you with headlights on high beam, you cannot see to the sides of the glare.

It is unlawful to use a vehicle in Cayman where the headlights dip to the right as cars manufactured in the United States are. These vehicles MUST be converted to dip to the left before being used in Cayman.

HEADLIGHT DAZZLING

How can this be controlled?

Education is the first step. Many drivers come to the Cayman Islands with a license from another country and do not know what the small blue light on the instrument panel indicates.

Enforcement is the second step. When the police give a driver a ticket or putting innocent people’s lives at risk it should start to get through to rivers that it is not just a slap on the wrist. The vehicle is being driven dangerously and the driver should be punished accordingly.

Statistically, it is just a matter of time before there will be a fatal accident, possibly involving pedestrians, who could be children. They could be family to you.

Exactly the same problem occurs when a vehicle behind you has its lights on full and the glare comes in your rear mirror.

Discuss the problem with your optician or ophthalmologist. These specialists can advise on having a coating on the lenses of your spectacles that will help.

Dazzled by the sun?

In a similar way if you are driving just after dawn or in the evening just before dusk there is another problem. That big ball in the sky that keeps us warm and is frequently the reason tourists visit the Cayman Islands, can be a severe traffic hazard. When it is low in the sky it dazzles and can almost blind you. Our roads have many twists and turns so good drivers have to lower their sun visors on a regular basis. Lazy drivers who do not bother are likely to end up in hospital or at a car body repair shop. Consider wearing sun glasses, shades, at these times.

It is no good wishing you could appeal against nature, just accept it as a fact of life living in paradise.

You should be familiar with George Town and know which lanes to enter as you drive around a corner. If you were driving past the Post Office and the Bodmer Building and intend to go to the Police Station, come over to the Flow side of the road straight away. Don’t come around the corner, tight to the railings, and end up on the right-hand side of the road and make a late decision to move over

You MUST allow on-coming cars to come through first when passing an obstruction in your lane

RIDE YOUR MOTORCYCLE SAFELY

It is a two-way street for those riding a motor-cycle and for car and truck drivers –they are both responsible for ensuring they do not have accidents.

Traffic law

Both motor-cycle riders and any pillion passenger MUST wear an approved and securely fastened crash helmet. Only those who have a full license may carry a passenger on an approved pillion seat.

A new rider may only use a motor-cycle with an engine capacity up to 125cc. After twelve months he may be granted a license with a greater engine capacity after taking a further practical road test.

These notes are equally applicable to scooters as well as motor-cycles

Starting out

Before you pull away, make sure it is safe to do so. Shoulder check by turning and looking. Wait for an opening in any traffic flow. Make sure other traffic sees you. Car drivers do not always think in terms of motor-cycles. Switch your lights on and wear bright clothing if you can. Use your indicators and proper hand signals. When on the road, check your balance. Watch the road ahead but do not stare but keep your eyes moving. You will see more and tire less.

Braking and stopping

Change down on the gears as you brake to give you power available if needed and to be able to use the engine’s compression as a brake. Know what is behind you as most vehicles cannot stop as quickly as you can. Use your mirrors. Compensate for this by braking earlier and gradually.

Two-Second Rule

This applies to motor-cyclists as well as any other driver. Read and understand what is written on page 37.

Riding in traffic

Do not take advantage of your bikes size by squeezing between two lines of traffic. It is illegal and will be considered by your insurance company in the event of an accident. Also realize the danger to you if someone in a stationary car opens a three foot wide door and you are passing as close as two feet.

RIDE YOUR MOTORCYCLE SAFELY

Hand signals for motor-cyclists

These are in addition to those on page 75 for cars and other vehicles

I am turning left I am turning right I am slowing down or stopping

Make yourself visible

When you are following another vehicle make sure the other driver can see you in his rear-view mirror. All vehicles have blind spots. Drop back a little to be seen and do not stay where you cannot be seen.

Being overtaken

If another vehicle is overtaking you then cooperate. Slow down if necessary to let them back in after they have passed you.

If a large vehicle is passing you, in either direction, or there is a strong crosswind the turbulence could throw you out of control.

Group riding

This is to be avoided unless you are associated with a group of riders who emphasize their riding skills, such as Harley Davidson riders.

When taking the practical road test

When you come to the License Office for the test you must:

• Have previously checked your motor-cycle carefully to ensure everything is in working order,

• Know how to pick the motor-cycle up if it falls over at any time.

• Attend the test examiners office just before the specified time,

• Bring your appointment receipt, provisional license and Insurance,

• Wear a crash helmet, jacket and gloves, and boots covering the ankles,

• Have the correct size L plates front and rear on your motor-cycle.

Road Safety Campaign

A road safety campaign, possibly called THINK BIKE, would be good in Cayman. It has worked well in other countries to make regular vehicle drivers more aware of the issues with motor-cycles.

E-BIKES

E-bikes have a small battery powered motor to help the rider under several different circumstances. If we look at some of the problems we may get a better understanding.

In Cayman a percentage of young people do not care for others and believe they are invincible.

E-bike riders have probably progressed from riding a regular pedal bike as a kid. And if we drive around Cayman we can see how appalling is their lack of concern for others. They assume that cars and trucks will predict their direction as they dart across a busy road.

E-bikes can provide too much acceleration when moving off from a standstill. Nothing much can be done about this.

Has anyone ever either type of bike stop at a red traffic light? Never.

E-bikes help those who are not as physical fit as they used to be to get around. A positive point in their favour.

Several professional men in the finance sector ride an e-bike to their office as a form of exercise. Another good point.

E-BIKES

We can see that the road surface is generally being improved in Cayman. Many areas however, are still poor with potholes and sidewalks (pavemenys) a problem. Sidewalks should be contoured for the traffic flow. In George Town sidewalks jig jag in and out very badly. This leads to dangers especially for all types of bike.

How is it that e-bikes do not have to have insurance? If there was a bad accident caused by an e-bike rider who is going to pay for the medical bills, the damage to other vehicles and legal matters?

SHARP BENDS AND SKIDDING

Accidents

Cayman Clinic is made up of a group of women GPs with extensive experience and excellent communication skills and outstanding empathy.

All of the doctors, nurses and office staff are welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere is one of professionalism and competence.

It is an outstanding clinic that I recommend most highly.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr Virginia Hobday MBE, MBBS, MRCGP

Dr Denise Osterloh MB, ChB

Dr Fiona Robertson MBBS, MRCGP

Dr Heidi Fahy MBBS, MRCGP

Dr Melissa Mascaro MD, CAQSM – Sports Medicine

Nina Baxa RDMS – Ultrasound

If you are Caymanian or otherwise legally resident on the islands do not try and circumvent the rules by obtaining a license in Jamaica or the U.S. You will NOT be allowed to exchange it for a full Caymanian license. Only those who obtained a license abroad prior to becoming a resident here are allowed to obtain a Cayman license without taking the full test and provided they can fullfil the other necessary requirements.

They should take their passport and the appropriate fee to the Driver’s License office and book a theory test appointment. Once they have passed the test (80% required) they may obtain a provisional license. This allows them to practice with an instructor or with friends, provided the friend has put their name on the Certificate of Insurance.

When they believe they have the necessary driving skills they can book a full practical on-the-road test.

Whereas young people can grasp the necessary skills very quickly it takes much longer for a mature adult (fifty years and upwards), possibly three or four times as long. A good driving instructor will be able to advise on these matters.

Bring the Certificate of Insurance for your car. Bring the receipt for you test fee.

Road sign spotted in Nevada, U.S. – how true?

DO NOT DRIVE

If you are in any way impaired

By drinking alcohol, either beer, wine or spirits

By using ganja, weed, or anything with a different name

By using cocaine in any form

If you are a diabetic and your sugar is low

If for any reason you are emotionally upset

If you have to make a phone call or text a message

Virtually everyone knows people who have been killed in road accidents. You owe it to your family and close friends to make sure you are not the one who dies or is the cause of others dying or being maimed for life.

since I was fourteen”, A sixteen-year old recently said, “I have bee drivI did not report them to the police as the young person is not committing

GENERAL DRIVING

Late for your Appointment

If you have arranged to meet someone, say at 10am and it is already 9.55am and a fifteen minute drive at least. Do not drive like a person possessed. You may be late for your meeting but you did not kill anyone or even yourself.

Perhaps switching your clock to an obviously incorrect time. And not looking at your watch when running late would be a good idea.

Parking at Supermarkets

Parking at supermarkets and similar places is made troublesome by the inconsideration of just a few. You may drive around a corner and find a line of cars in front of you and you wonder what is the problem. You see that one car is about to leave but not ready to move out. Another car is waiting to grab the car park space as soon as the car goes. The driver does not care that he is holding up several cars behind. He is the one who should be criticised.

Exiting from car parks, hotels, gas stations etc.

This is very similar to handling a ‘T’ junction. Every time you exit from a car park, an hotel, gas station or any other property on to road way, check to see if it’s a one-way exit or if traffic may at that point enter from the road. Cars frequently enter a gas station far too fast and often through the exit. If you are in their path there could be a nasty accident.