RULES OF THE ROAD: Roundabouts in Togo

I want to give you a few lessons of the road here in Lome, Togo.  There are some road rules that go against EVERYWHERE else in the world. For example, zimmy johns (motorcycles) can do whatever they want. They are not licensed, they do not know the rules and are everywhere. Rule here: try not to hit them and kill someone AND never think they will yield to you!

Now for a very important lesson in Roundabouts. 

Togo Roundabout Figure #1
Rule #1
Those entering the roundabout have the right away. That's correct folks, the rest of the world - those IN the roundabout have right away. Not here in Togo!
Red= you
Black= other cars 

 

 

Togo Roundabout Figure #2
Rule #2







Once you are in the roundabout you loose all right away privileges – all incoming vehicles have right away. (Except zimmy johns - they do whatever they want) Thus creating a scene like the figure below. 

Togo Roundabout Figure #3
Rule #3: 
Someone will cut another driver off and the other driver will have a pride war in which he will shut off his vehicle in the middle of the road until he feels he has made his point. The following scene is created... 

PLEASE NOTE: All "white space" (or blue in this case) is filled with zimmy johns. 

 Eventually you will make it out only to find another circle just down the road. :) 


Thank you John Foster for this great illustration. It made my day!