Primary school

The main rule of traffic

The most important rule in traffic is very simple but also very powerful: "Be considerate of each other." This main rule applies to everyone who takes part in traffic, whether you are walking, cycling or sitting in a car. It is the foundation of all other traffic rules and makes sure that everyone can get safely from point A to point B.

What does "being considerate of each other" mean?

Being considerate means that you always think about other people in traffic. When you cycle to school, you watch out carefully for pedestrians on the sidewalk. When your parents drive, they watch out for cyclists and let pedestrians cross at crosswalks. It also means that you behave in a predictable way — not making sudden movements that can surprise others.

On Sint Maarten this is extra important. Tourists do not know our roads well and may unexpectedly stop to take a photo of the scenery or the famous low-flying planes at Maho Beach. Locals need to understand this and keep enough distance. On the other hand, tourists need to be considerate of schoolchildren who cycle the same route to school every day.

The three prohibitions of the main rule

From the main rule come three important prohibitions:

• You may not unnecessarily obstruct traffic. For example: not standing in the middle of the road to chat
• You may not endanger other road users. For example: not suddenly turning without signaling
• You may not do anything that could create danger. For example: not playing with your phone while cycling

What MUST you do according to the main rule?

• As a cyclist: stick out your hand when you are going to turn, so that cars know what you are planning to do
• As a pedestrian: look left and right before crossing, even at a crosswalk
• As a passenger in a car: put on your seatbelt and do not distract the driver
• Wait until iguanas or other animals have left the road — they always have priority
• Wear a helmet on your fat bike or scooter
• Keep distance from the car in front of you, especially when it is raining

What must you NOT do according to the main rule?

• As a cyclist: suddenly turning without looking or sticking out your hand
• Using your phone while cycling or driving
• Running across a crosswalk without looking
• Stopping in the middle of the road to take photos
• Racing with your fat bike through busy areas between pedestrians
• Having music so loud that you cannot hear other traffic sounds

Why is this rule so important?

Traffic only works when everyone cooperates. Just like a dance where all the dancers have to pay attention to each other, all road users have to pay attention to each other. A driver who goes too fast, a cyclist who runs a red light, or a pedestrian who is not paying attention — each of these behaviors can cause dangerous situations.

The main rule "be considerate of each other" makes sure that traffic on Sint Maarten stays safe and pleasant for everyone. It is a rule that comes from respect and care — qualities that fit perfectly with the friendly culture of our island.