When encountering a traffic island, how should you proceed if it's obstructing your lane?

When encountering a traffic island that is obstructing your lane, waiting for clearance is the safest and most responsible action to take. Traffic islands are designed to enhance road safety and guide traffic responsibly, often marking pedestrian crossings or separating lanes. Approaching an obstruction with caution allows you to assess the situation carefully.

If you were to drive around it on the left, you might risk entering into oncoming traffic or conflicting with pedestrians who might be using the road. Crossing over the island itself could also be dangerous, as it may be illegal or structurally unsafe, depending on the design of the island and surrounding road rules. Reassessing your route could be a valid consideration at times, but it does not ensure immediate safety, especially if the obstruction requires you to yield to other traffic or assess traffic signals.

By waiting for clearance, you ensure that you are prioritizing safety by avoiding potential hazards and allowing other road users, such as pedestrians or vehicles, to move safely around the traffic island.