Chapter 1
Car Check! – Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and have a valid inspection certificate. No paperwork? No driving!
Buckle Up! – Your car must have seat belts for the driver and all passengers. Seat belts aren’t just cool—they keep you safe!
No Overloading! – Don’t pack your car like a stuffed backpack. If carrying something big, make sure it’s tightly secured and doesn’t stick out more than 1 foot—if it does, attach a red tag so others can see it.
Keep It Clean! – A dirty windshield is like trying to see through a foggy shower door—keep it clean so you can see the road!
Drive on the Left! – Always stick to the left side of the road unless overtaking or turning. Slow-moving vehicles (like bicycles and tractors) should stay near the edge to let faster vehicles pass.
Starting Off Right – Before you move, check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and signal. You don’t want to surprise anyone!
Watch for Obstacles – If something (like a parked car) is blocking your lane, you must give way to oncoming traffic. If the obstruction is on their side, you have the right-of-way—but still be careful!
Drive Nicely! – No dangerous driving, no racing, no scaring smaller vehicles. The road isn’t a video game—everyone wins when we drive patiently and safely!
Stay Calm & Be Kind – If another driver makes a mistake, don’t try to “teach them a lesson.” Just focus on driving safely—getting there in one piece is better than getting there in a bad mood
License Required – You must have a valid license for the vehicle you're driving. No exceptions (unless your car runs on imagination).
No Alcohol or Drugs – You must not drive if impaired. The legal limit is 35 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath or 80 mg per 100 ml of blood—but the safest amount is none at all. Stay sharp and focused!
Seat & Mirrors – Adjust them so you can see properly. No one likes surprises on the road!
Vision Check – If you need glasses, wear them. Keep your windshield clean—driving blind is not a superpower.
Helmet Rule – If you're on a motorcycle, wear a helmet, and make sure your passenger does too. Safety first!
Wear Proper Shoes – No flip-flops or loose shoes that can slip off. You need full control of the pedals.
Hands-Free Driving – Don’t hold pets, packages, or people while driving. Keep everything secure to avoid distractions.
Feeling Well? – If you're sick or too tired, don’t drive. Better to rest than risk an accident.
Insurance – At least third-party insurance is a must. No insurance, no driving!
Medication Warning – Some medicines make you sleepy. If the label says "do not operate heavy machinery," that includes cars!
Seat Belts On – Always buckle up and make sure your passengers do too. It's a small step that makes a big difference.
Carry Your License – Keep it with you whenever you drive. It's like your golden ticket for the road.
Traffic Jams? Stay in Line! – If traffic is backed up, join the queue like everyone else—no sneaky shortcuts! Always stop where you can see the back tires of the car in front. It might roll back a little when moving again.
Tired? Take a Break! – Driving while sleepy is like trying to stay awake in class—it won’t end well! Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m., take a break every two hours, and if you feel drowsy, pull over and rest. No energy drinks or tricks—just real rest!
Make Way for Sirens! – If you see flashing lights or hear sirens from police, fire trucks, ambulances, or army vehicles, pull to the side of the road and stop. Let them pass—someone might need urgent help!
Check, Signal, Move! – Before doing anything (starting, changing lanes, turning, stopping), always follow the mirror - signal - manoeuvre rule:
✅ Check your mirrors
✅ Give the correct signal
✅ Make your move safely
Speeding Won’t Make You a Racecar Driver! – Driving too fast is one of the biggest causes of accidents in The Bahamas. The faster you go, the harder it is to stop—and no, slamming the brakes at the last second isn’t a superpower!
Know Your Limits! (Speed Ones, Not Your Parents’ Patience) – Inside Nassau city and Family Island Settlements, the speed limit is 25 mph (40 kph). Outside the city, it’s 30 mph (50 kph), and outside Family Island Settlements, it’s 45 mph (70 kph) unless posted otherwise. Read the signs—not just your phone!
Follow the Rules, Not Your Impulses! – Traffic lights, road signs, and police signals aren’t decorations! Obey them, or you might get an expensive lesson in traffic laws (aka a ticket).
Tailgating is for BBQs, Not Driving! – If you double your speed, your stopping distance TRIPLES! Wet or dirt roads? Stopping takes even longer! Leave space between you and the car ahead, especially those sneaky jitneys and taxis that love stopping out of nowhere.
Drive Like a Human, Not a Hurricane! – Speeding through blind curves, busy streets, or foggy weather is like running through a dark room with LEGOs on the floor—you’re asking for trouble! Adjust your speed based on the road conditions.
Fast Cars, Slow Reaction Time! – If a car hits a pedestrian at 25 mph, they have a 95% chance of surviving. At 50 mph, that drops to 25%. Translation? Going fast isn’t worth it—slow down and keep everyone safe!
Speed Smart, Not Stupid! – Just because the sign says 45 mph doesn’t mean you HAVE to go 45 mph. If the road is wet, foggy, or full of pedestrians, use your brain, not just your gas pedal!
