What if we switched?
Driving on the left is one of those quirky St. John things. But we’re all used to it. An abrupt change to right side driving would create chaos. It won’t happen.
But Samoa is about to change. From driving on the right…to driving on the left. The first nation to change sides in three decades. Imagine the mess.
The Wall Street Journal explains it all…the reason for doing it, the controversy it’s created and opponents’ efforts to stop it.
And we’re all worried about the roundabout.
Read the story here.
August 26th, 2009 05:34
Their cars are made for driving on the right, and they think that’s a reason not to drive on the leftt? Silly people!
August 26th, 2009 06:31
I don’t believe that it would cause major havoc in the USVI to change and may actually make things a bit safer.
Most people driving in the VI, are residents but only a percentage are full time or long time. They are just as used to driving on the right on the mainland and would have little problem changing back.
In most places where you drive on the left (the UK) the cars are made with steering on the right. Vice versa for places where you drive on the right, steering is left. The reason? So you don’t have to shift 75% of your vehicle into oncoming traffic lanes to see if you can pass. Now I know, there are few passing areas on StJ, but there are more on the other 2 islands and has no one ever been stuck behind a taxi unloading on StJ? You need a passenger in the right hand seat to see if it’s safe to pass. (The Somoa article mentions left v right steering cars.)
I’m not saying we should change the VI to right hand driving. It’s sort of a charming difference we have. But, outside of getting used to the change, and changing a few road markings etc. it might be safer in the long run as long as we use cars designed for driving on the right.
It would sure freak out everyone at the Quiet Mon and Woody’s! :-O
August 26th, 2009 09:11
On the other hand, I would venture that it is safer for us to stay on the left, at least on ST. John and St. Thomas–it is VERY important to be able to tell where the edge of the road is.
The previous poster obviously hasn’t thought about the demographics of left drivers in the VI very clearly–probably the largest single group in the population comes from the formerly British Eastern Caribbean islands, certainly the majority of the taxi drivers do…..imagine the carnage.
August 26th, 2009 10:34
I’ve often wondered what would happen if the powers-that-be decided to change traffic lights around the world so that green would mean “stop” and red would mean “go.” That would be a disaster, but fun to watch as a fly on the wall so to speak (insert evil laugh here).
August 26th, 2009 15:21
I THINK THAT IF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS GOING TO CHANGE TO DRIVING ON THE RIGHT THEY SHOULD DEFINATELY DO IT ONE ROAD AT A TIME (JUST A JOKE) HAHA
August 27th, 2009 06:36
I agree with “mi son”. Let’s start with the new traffic circle.
Then, let’s start switching the One Ways to the opposite direction 1 at a time.
August 27th, 2009 07:32
What do you mean drive on the left? I drive in the middle of the road so we don’t fall off the cliff to our rental home……
August 27th, 2009 07:53
Switch? Then Larry at the Tourist trap would have to rename his already now famous drink!
August 27th, 2009 09:27
and what about the all important reason for driving on the left side… it’s much easier to pull over and visit with a friend standing on the side of the road.
As I see it, it would be just one more sad slide away from the uniqueness that drew us to St. John in the first place.
August 28th, 2009 07:32
I agree with Buddy – that is part of the “fun” about St John – remembering to drive on the left side of the road – shoulder to shoulder. When we get back from a trip to St. John, my husband always drives in the left hand lane on the interstate – just because.
August 30th, 2009 09:24
I love St. John the way that it is. Don’t change anything please!!!