Driving on a long road trip, a tractor for farm labor, or picking up friends from a metropolitan airport, you’ll almost certainly be behind the wheel throughout your time in Australia. While many of the regulations of the road in Australia will be similar to those in your home country, there are a few differences due to Australia’s size and remoteness. Having a few fundamental road safety recommendations under your belt is a good idea. So, even if you’re comfortable on the road in Australia, it’s definitely a good idea to go over some crucial safety recommendations for driving to make sure you and your passengers are safe.
Keep an eye out for school zones.
School zones (areas around schools) are one of these sites, with 40kmph speed limits in effect between 7:30-9 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Flashing lights and signage will alert you to the presence of these zones, but it’s also a good idea to be prepared. Speed limits exist across Australia and must be obeyed at all times; else, severe fines will be imposed. What you may not realize is that some speed zones are only in effect during specific periods of the day.
Only go on roads that you are familiar with.
Given Australia’s harsh climate, it’s crucial to be aware that many of the country’s roads are not sealed. A smart place to start is with a firm understanding of how to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle and some off-road experience. This is something that may or may not apply in your home country. If you’re going on a long road trip or traveling through rural areas, plan your route ahead of time to guarantee that bitumen roads are available for the duration of your journey. If not, and you intend to drive on unsealed roads, be sure you have the appropriate vehicle and skill set.
Keep to the left!
Sticking to the left can be more difficult than you think if you’re new to driving in Australia, but it’s something you’ll need to remember!
It may appear to be a no-brainer, but that only means it’s an excellent place to start. Yes, driving on the left side of the road is an important safety precaution on Australian highways!
Many people make the mistake of forgetting that this is not their own country, and they frequently find themselves swinging to the right, particularly at roundabouts and crossroads.
Keep an eye out for animals.
Many large wild and domesticated animals in Australia enjoy crossing the road right in front of you. Getting passengers to assist you see wildlife on the road can be extremely beneficial, especially during sunrise, sunset, and at night.
Keeping an eye out for animals is an important safety precaution for driving in Australia, especially if you’ll be in more distant or rural locations. This is also a compelling argument why you should limit your solo driving time during the most risky hours of the day. It’s much better if you can avoid driving at night, dawn, or dusk.
Safe Photo Stops
This is a popular choice among travelers since, knowing how gorgeous the Australian scenery is, the temptation to take photos while driving is all too strong! However, this isn’t a smart idea from a safety standpoint, as bringing out your camera and stopping abruptly or in an unsafe area can easily result in an accident. If you wish to take a picture, make sure you can pull over to a safe spot at a reasonable time without endangering other drivers or passengers.
Before you go, double-check the road conditions.
As we all know, Australia is notorious for its extreme weather. This means that road conditions might shift quickly and without warning. As a result, it’s vital to assess the road’s condition ahead of time. This is especially important if you plan to travel in remote or rural areas, where flooding or bushfires could cause major disruptions. Although road status reports are frequently available at Visitor Centers along your route, checking them online is by far the most convenient method to find out. Each state will have its own website, so start gathering information now.
Take frequent breaks
It’s also a good idea to get out of the car as often as possible to stretch your legs. So another important safety advice to remember when driving long distances in Australia is to stop frequently – at least 15 minutes every 2 hours. This is where planning your route ahead of time comes in handy, as it allows you to see where such rest stops are located. Sometimes the distance you will be going in Australia is significantly larger than what you’d be used to at home and with the added conditions of heat and humidity, driver tiredness is a regular concern. To avoid this, make sure you receive plenty of fresh air and drink plenty of water during your breaks.
Always bring extra supplies with you.
If you get into danger, stay in your vehicle and call for help using your cell phone or satellite phone. Breakdowns can happen anywhere in the world, but the sheer size of Australia means it might take a long time to obtain or get rescue. As a result, bringing extra supplies is a critical safety precaution. Extra food, fuel, and water are all things to think about, and it’s also a good idea to include a torch, some basic tools, and a puncture repair kit.
Conclusion
Hopefully, with these golden pearls of information, you’ll be able to safely navigate the many roads ahead of you.
Remember, driving safely should always be your main priority whether you’re behind the wheel of a car, whether alone or with passengers. We’re more distracted than ever, so knowing the fundamentals of safe driving and practicing them every time you’re on the road is critical.
