WILLEMSTAD - Exact figures are not yet available, but it is noticed by Safe Traffic Curaçao (VVC) that tourists on the island are often involved in traffic accidents. The traffic rules are different in Curaçao, the tourist does not read in advance and shows 'stubborn' behavior, the association notes.
An inquiry among tourists on the street soon shows that most of them are not aware of the traffic rules. Does the right have priority? “In principle, yes, but here the law of the strongest somewhat applies”, is one of the wrong answers. How do you know what the traffic rules are? “Yes, we noticed that.”
Several car rentals, including those at Hato Airport, do not inform tourists about the traffic rules in Curaçao. Safe Traffic Curaçao says it is aware of this. To prevent the number of accidents among tourists, the association has therefore been planning for some time to make an information brochure in collaboration with a number of car rental companies.
It hasn't come that far yet. “The plan for the folder has been temporarily put on hold due to the pandemic. But the intention is to pick this up again in the second half of 2023," said chairman Riglène Christina of Safe Traffic Curaçao.
The right has no priority
“Many accidents happen because people drive on autopilot,” notes Niels Verwoerd of Rent a Car on Curaçao. “We notice that tourists still give priority to traffic coming from the right, despite being told that it is not the case in Curaçao.”
“Traffic is really different on Curaçao. Traffic is much more relaxed, but that the right has no right of way is not a guideline, that is really a rule. People also often underestimate how slippery the road surface is.”
His car rental company does discuss the traffic rules with the clients, he says. “We explain to our customers that things are slightly different from what they are used to in Europe. There is no right of way on the right, people overtake on the left and right, roads are slippery when it rains and the maximum speed is 60 kilometers per hour.”
Same road sign, different meaning
One of the things that can create dangerous situations is that some road signs here do not mean the same as in other countries. "That sounds strange, but it's really true," says Christina. “It depends on international treaties.”
“This sign on the island is a turning ban. In Colombia it means you can turn around. So when a Colombian tourist sees this sign, for example, he will turn around there. So this, while not ill-intentioned, could endanger traffic.”
There are more reasons why driving on Curaçao is a challenge for tourists, says car rental owner Niels Verwoerd. “They are not familiar with the potholes in the road. Moreover, we do not have 'green zones' on the island as they are used to in the Netherlands. Someone who is used to the Netherlands is therefore not used to having to stop so often. People suddenly start braking again, while tourists don't expect it. That leads to dangerous situations.”
Intersections that look like a roundabout?
There is more that the tourist should take into account. “We also tell our tenants that any intersection that looks like a roundabout is not necessarily a roundabout. That there are also traffic squares where other rules apply. It is sometimes difficult to see who has priority.”
“In nine cases out of ten there are no shark teeth, no signs or stop sign. So you shouldn't drive on autopilot. You have to keep thinking carefully.”
Meanwhile, Curaçao is heading further for a record number of road deaths this year.