Roundabouts and Intersections

Roundabouts & Intersections in Ghana

Navigating roundabouts and intersections correctly is important for safety and smooth traffic flow in Ghana. Following the Ghana Highway Code and Road Traffic Regulations helps prevent accidents and keeps traffic moving properly.

📍 Why It Matters: Many accidents in Ghana happen because drivers do not understand the priority rules at these points. Knowing who has the right of way is essential for safe driving and for passing the DVLA test.

🚗 What Is a Roundabout?

A roundabout is a circular junction where traffic flows in one direction around a central island.

🔄
Direction of Traffic

In Ghana, traffic moves counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) around roundabouts.

⚠ī¸
Priority Rule

Vehicles inside the roundabout have priority (approaching from your immediate left).

â†Ēī¸
Entering

You enter by turning right into the flow of traffic.

↩ī¸
Exiting

You exit by turning right out of the flow of traffic.


📍 Entering a Roundabout Correctly
Before entering a roundabout, a driver must: Slow down → Look left → Give way → Enter safely
1
Slow Down

Reduce speed as you approach the roundabout.

2
Look Left

Check for vehicles already circulating on your left.

3
Give Way

Yield to all vehicles approaching from your left on the roundabout.

đŸšĢ Important: Enter only when it is safe without forcing others to slow down. Never force your way into a roundabout.

đŸšĻ Using Indicators at Roundabouts
①
First Exit
(Immediate Right)

  • Signal right before entering
  • Keep to the right side/outer lane
  • Keep right signal on until exit

②
Second Exit
(Straight Ahead)

  • No signal on entry
  • Signal RIGHT after passing first exit
  • Use either lane, stay consistent

â‘ĸ+
Third Exit or Beyond
(Going Left)

  • Signal LEFT when entering
  • Stay in the left/inner lane
  • Signal RIGHT before your exit

💡 Remember: Signal LEFT means “I am staying on the roundabout.” Signal RIGHT means “I am exiting the roundabout.”

➕ Types of Intersections
Uncontrolled Intersections
(No Traffic Lights/Signs)

  • Give way to traffic coming from the RIGHT
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop
  • Look left, right, and left again
  • Proceed only when safe

This rule applies unless road signs indicate otherwise.
Signal-Controlled Intersections
(With Traffic Lights)

  • Red Light: STOP behind the line
  • Amber Light: STOP if safe to do so
  • Green Light: Go only if junction ahead is clear
  • Green Arrow: Go in that direction even if main light is red

⚠ī¸ Offense: Entering a junction without a clear exit is illegal. Do not block the junction.

đŸšļ Pedestrians at Intersections
Pedestrian safety always comes first. Drivers must give priority to pedestrians crossing legally.
Driver Responsibilities

  • Give way to pedestrians already crossing at junctions
  • Be extra cautious when turning
  • Never rush pedestrians
  • Stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings

At Roundabouts

  • Watch for pedestrians when exiting
  • Signal clearly so pedestrians know your intentions
  • Never stop inside roundabout for pedestrians
  • Wait until safely exited before allowing crossing


❌ Common Mistakes Drivers Make
⚠ī¸
Failing to give way to traffic from the LEFT at roundabouts
⚠ī¸
Not using indicators or using them incorrectly
⚠ī¸
Blocking intersections or box junctions
⚠ī¸
Assuming priority without checking
⚠ī¸
Speeding into junctions
⚠ī¸
Changing lanes inside roundabouts
đŸšĢ
Signaling LEFT when exiting roundabouts (WRONG)
đŸšĢ
Looking RIGHT instead of LEFT when entering roundabouts
đŸšĢ
Being on inside lane and trying to turn right
đŸšĢ
Being on outside lane and trying to go left

Summary (Quick Revision)

🔄 Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority (they approach from your LEFT)
👀 At roundabouts: Look LEFT, give way, then enter
đŸšĻ Signal RIGHT to exit, signal LEFT to continue around
â†Ēī¸ Turning right: Stay to the right side or outer lane
âŦ†ī¸ Going forward: Choose inside or outside, but stay consistent
↩ī¸ Going left: Use the inside or inner lane
⚠ī¸ At uncontrolled intersections: Give way to traffic from the RIGHT
đŸšĢ Do not block intersections or box junctions
đŸšļ Always give way to pedestrians crossing
đŸšĨ Obey traffic lights and police signals
✅ Following these rules makes Ghana’s roads safer and more efficient


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