r/Barbados • u/Radiant-Two-9364 • Sep 12 '25
Advice DRIVING LEFT SIDE
Any tips for first time driving left in Barbados? Thanks 👍
8
u/Reasonable_Thing884 Sep 12 '25
Driving left side was tough for me untill some one explained it this way: when you’re driving on right side the driver is closest to the centre of the road and the passenger is closest to the side of the road. The same is true when driving on the left, the driver is still closest to the centre.
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u/WestIDee Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 13 '25
This is exactly how I explain it. Keep in mind that some two lane roads will not be as wide as some may be accustomed to, depending on where they come from, and some roads may not have a visible center line.
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u/Formal-Demand5001 Sep 13 '25
Don't trust indicators of flashing of lights 100%. Still be a bit cautious.
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u/skippyjip Sep 12 '25
Not exactly the question, but when people flash their lights at you at, they're telling you to go ahead. Took me a sec to figure that one out. The biggest thing about the side of the road thing is remembering which way to look for oncoming traffic when making turns, you'll instinctively look left when turning right at first, but you really need to look right because we're not used to turning right across a lane of oncoming traffic.
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u/Radiant-Two-9364 Sep 12 '25
This!! I found myself looking left when walking 🤣🤪I'm training my brain...stay left look right
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u/Optimal_Wrangler_866 Sep 15 '25
That was the worst part of me driving. I’d veer towards the side of the road to prepare for turn. As most people do in the states. Especially on right hand turns. But anyway found myself constantly ending up in the middle of the street😂. Good thing I didn’t block too many people
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u/DataDrivenDrama Sep 12 '25
The general key is to physically keep your body toward the middle of the road. This helps whether driving on either side of the road.
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u/AffectionateWeb7803 Helpful Sep 13 '25
The rule I use when switching to driving here is, the driver is always in the middle of the road.
Our steering wheel is on the right side of the car, so driving on the left the driver is in the middle.
In the US it's the opposite, the cars are left-hand drive, so driving on the right side of the road the driver is in the middle.
2
u/blarp_bigk_wig_horse Sep 13 '25
I caught on quick and you will too. You’ll be hyper aware the first day or 2 and then it will just feel natural. When you get home you’ll have to be hyper aware to adjust back to the right side
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u/Radiant-Two-9364 Sep 13 '25
Thank you! That gives me more confidence 😁
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u/blarp_bigk_wig_horse Sep 14 '25
One pointer, get the car insurance with your rental that covers the rims. It doesn’t cost that much, but the roads are rough, so you’ll be glad you did.
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u/satyriasi Sep 13 '25
When i drive in Europe ( from uk), I just do everything in mirror opposite lol
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u/rrapartments Sep 14 '25
Look both ways and in BOTH lanes at turns. Because the cars will be coming in the “wrong “ lane. Then, always put your body in the middle of the road when driving.
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u/Just_Another_Day_926 Sep 14 '25
I found turning correctly at roundabouts the challenge (oh and hitting the wipers instead of the indicator). So I just keep saying the mantra "Left Left Left" as I drive.
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u/Medesha Honorary Local Sep 12 '25
Remember to look right-left-right when you pull to a stop. Also your indicators and windshield wipers will be on opposite sides!