Late Lane Commitment on the Downhill Exit of Girne Pass

On the downhill exit of Girne Pass, driver intent splits abruptly. Some vehicles commit early to the underpass, others aim for the first roundabout at the Girne entrance. Risk forms when that decision is delayed until the slope has already increased speed.

As the descent begins, the road feels open and forgiving. Visibility improves, the gradient assists acceleration, and lane choice seems flexible. This impression is misleading. The left lane feeding the first roundabout fills quickly, while the right lane begins to slow for underpass access. Once these flows separate, switching lanes requires a sharp, late correction.

Timing is decisive. Between 16:30–19:00, inbound Girne traffic intensifies. Vehicles already positioned in the left lane hold speed to enter the roundabout. Drivers remaining in the right lane realize too late that their destination requires a left commitment. Space appears briefly, then closes.

A familiar local sequence follows. A car descends in the right lane, then abruptly angles left to avoid the underpass. Steering input is hard and sudden. The left-lane vehicle, already aligned for the roundabout, does not anticipate the move. Braking and swerving overlap. Contact, when it occurs, is usually lateral, often at the rear quarter.

This pattern is not new. The layout has been consistent for years. Signage is visible. What repeats is the assumption that lane choice can be postponed until the last seconds of the descent.

On the downhill exit of Girne Pass, the risk is not speed,

but deciding too late which lane was needed all along.