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.

⚠️

Priority Rule

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

↪️

Entering

You enter by turning right into the flow of traffic.

↩️

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

Slow Down

Reduce speed as you approach the roundabout.

Look Left

Check for vehicles already circulating on your left.

Give Way

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

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

🚦 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

③+

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

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

🚶 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

⚠️

Failing to give way to traffic from the LEFT at roundabouts

⚠️

Not using indicators or using them incorrectly

⚠️

Blocking intersections or box junctions

⚠️

Assuming priority without checking

⚠️

Speeding into junctions

⚠️

Changing lanes inside roundabouts

🚫

Signaling LEFT when exiting roundabouts (WRONG)

🚫

Looking RIGHT instead of LEFT when entering roundabouts

🚫

Being on inside lane and trying to turn right

🚫

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

🚦 Signal RIGHT to exit, signal LEFT to continue around

↪️ Turning right: Stay to the right side or outer lane

⬆️ Going forward: Choose inside or outside, but stay consistent

↩️ Going left: Use the inside or inner lane

⚠️ At uncontrolled intersections: Give way to traffic from the RIGHT

🚫 Do not block intersections or box junctions

🚶 Always give way to pedestrians crossing

🚥 Obey traffic lights and police signals

✅ Following these rules makes Ghana's roads safer and more efficient

📝 Take Test on This Topic

Lesson 9 of 31

Roundabouts and Intersections

Roundabouts & Intersections in Ghana

Summary (Quick Revision)

Road Signs

Timed Test

Practice Test