I recently spent a week in Jamaica and decided it was cheaper and more interesting to rent a car. Since there were six of us, I opted for a minivan. However, it should have been called a micro-van. Toyota Wish. I guess the name is fitting, because you Wish it was bigger. It cost me about $650 for a week
Driving in Jamaica is an attraction all on its own if you’re not from there. First of all, they drive on the left side, so steering wheel is on the right. Being behind a wheel for the last 40 years, and full time for 30 years, I developed certain position. When thrown into RHD, it all seems weird, unnatural and down right uncomfortable. Just as simple as turn signal controls are reversed with wipers. So every time I was passing or turning I moved the lever on left side of steering wheel, which was wipers :satisfied:
People drive like maniacs here. Cars, trucks, motorcycles passing on shoulder, passing into oncoming traffic blasting their horns and flashing lights to make sure you see them coming. You are expected to move over to shoulder so they can clear. Total misjudgment of distance is a thing here. I’ve only seen one collision, which was really surprising.
Oh yeah, they also have plenty of LHD cars. I wish they had one at the rental place lol
Few pix of local road, town, cars they have
Comments (7)
Wow
Oddly enough the area reminds me of downtown chattanooga tn for me 🤣🤣
That is small. Looks more like a hatch than a minivan. Just with a bit bigger trunk/cargo area. Never been to Jamaica, but I have been to The Bahamas. Riding down there is absolutely terrifying, and I wouldn't drive there myself. Just as you said, horns blaring, brakes smashing, cars passing and flying by. People pretty much playing chicken to get a few seconds ahead of the car in front of them.
Not a fan of RHD either. Inspected a Honda for a poatal worker when I was at a quick lube. Driving over the pit was terrible. All sense of familiarity was gone. Like learning how to position a car in a lane all over again.
RHD seems like it would be an adjustment. I don't even think I could drive one with a manual. I wonder if driving in Jamaica is better or worse than in India.
Well, they’re both developing countries (read 3rd world country) so I reckon it’s similar.
Reply to: The Dude
Based on what I've seen on tv, they are similar. I'm just wondering which is worst. Probably India just because how overcrowded it is.
Reply to: Blue Ovals
Good point