Third Exit at the Grand Harbour Roundabout
You approach a two-lane roundabout from the south, driving on the left as normal in the Cayman Islands. You want the third exit, which leads west. The advance sign shows the left lane for the first and second exits and the right lane for the third exit, so you enter in the right-hand lane. As you reach the give-way line, a blue car is already circulating in the outer lane, coming from your right and indicating to leave at the second exit. A white van beside you in the left lane is also entering and begins to drift slightly towards your lane. A cyclist is visible further around the roundabout in the outer lane. Traffic is moderate and moving slowly.
1. Who has priority as you enter, and how should you position and signal for the third exit?
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You must give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right, so the blue car has priority. Wait until there is a safe gap rather than entering and forcing it to slow. Your right-hand lane is the correct lane for the third exit according to the advance sign. Signal right on approach and keep the signal on while you pass the first and second exits. After you have passed the second exit, check your mirror and blind spot, then signal left to show you are leaving at the third exit. Do not cut across the outer lane at the last moment; follow the lane markings around and leave room for the cyclist.
2. The van in the left lane drifts towards your lane as you circulate. What should you do, and what does this show about lane discipline at roundabouts?
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Ease off, create space and avoid being alongside the van if you can. Even if the van is in the wrong lane for the third exit, a collision is worse than losing your preferred line. Do not sound the horn aggressively or try to squeeze past; drop back so the van can be seen clearly in your windscreen rather than in your blind spot. This shows that lane discipline is a guide, not a guarantee: you must continually check what other drivers are actually doing. If the van cuts across your path, brake and let it go, then continue around the roundabout in your lane. Report the incident only if it is safe to do so later.
3. You realise too late that you are in the wrong lane for the third exit. What is the safe course of action?
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Continue around the roundabout and take the exit again, or take the next safe exit and find a legal place to turn around. Do not stop on the roundabout, reverse, or swerve across lanes to catch the exit. A missed exit costs a few minutes; a sudden lane change can cause a side-swipe or force a cyclist into the kerb. Keep signalling consistently, maintain your lane and look for a safe opportunity to correct the route after leaving the roundabout. The same principle applies if you are unsure of the exit: go around again rather than making a late decision.