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.
The speed limit in built up areas is generally 60km/hr (37.2m/hr) and
on a open highway the speed limit is usually 100km/hr (62m/hr) or
110km/hr (68.2m/hr).
Although in the Northern Territory there is no speed limit outside
the built up areas.
The police are always out in full force with speed
cameras, radar guns and red light cameras being used throughout the
country. They are never to shy to use them, but beware they are usually
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.
Small children must be belted into an approved safety seat.
Drink driving in Australia is a real problem.
The police in the past few years have been cracking down on those
people with a blood alcohol level over 0.05 to try and reduce the road
toll.
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.
Random breath test are very common in built
up areas.
Fuel is available in diesel, super and unleaded and prices
generally vary between 75c and 80c a litre (and recently there has been
a discussion about increasing them to $1). As soon as you leave the
major cities the prices however soar up to between 80c and $1 a litre.
When driving in the outback remember distance between fill ups in
can be long.
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.
