When driving in Australia you could be in for a few surprises.
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road.
An important rule you must know is "give way to the right" - If an
intersection is unmarked, you must give way to the vehicles entering
the intersection from your right.
Speed Limit.
The speed limit in built up areas is generally 50km/hr (31mph), with main metropolitan roads usually around 60km or 70km/hr (37-43mph).
On open highways the speed limit is usually between 100-110km/hr (62-68mph).
Although in the Northern Territory there are certain outback areas with no speed limit.
The police are always out in full force with speed
cameras, radar guns and red light cameras being used throughout the
country, as well as many fixed speed cameras. They are never to shy to use them, but beware they can be well hidden from the eye.
All cars in Australia are fitted with seat belts back and front.
You are required to wear a seat belt if your seat has a belt, otherwise
you will be given a fine. Beware - drivers can be liable if their passenger is not wearing a seat belt!
Small children must be belted into an approved safety seat.
Drink Driving
Due to an increasingly large number of alcohol related deaths and injuries on the roads over the last few decades,
most states in Australia introduced restrictions on the legal blood alcohol level allowed for drivers. A limit of .05 is now in force in most areas in an effort to try and reduce the road
toll.
Police do crack down on those found to be over the limit, and if you are caught with a blood alcohol level over the legal
limit than you should be prepared for a hefty fine and the possible
loss of your license (and jail in extreme cases).
Random breath testing is now quite common throughout Australia.
Fuel is available in diesel, super and unleaded and prices
generally vary between 75c up to $1.00 a litre. Prices are quite fluid, and can change a number of times a day, especially in metropolitan areas. As soon as you leave the
major cities the prices can soar up to between 10-20cents a litre over and above city prices.
When driving in the outback remember distance between fill ups in
can be long.
Hazards
There are many hazards on the roads.
Cows and kangaroos are the two most common hazards on country roads
and a collision could damage your vehicle severely and is likely to
kill the animal.
The most common time that Kangaroos are most
active is around dawn and dusk, and they often travel in groups.
If you see one on the side of the road or hopping across the road,
slow right down.
If one hops out right in front of you, hit the brakes and swerve only
if is necessary and safe from oncoming traffic.
