Australian Driving Tips for Rightsiders
January 23rd, 2008 by Tiffany Miller
Besides our obvious handicap of driving on the right (and for some of us, being used to an automatic transmission.. ahem..), there are a few things to learn about Australian traffic rules before you start your “roady.”
First thing’s first: roundabouts. Many of us, unfortunately, have never driven through them. The most important thing to remember- go left! But before you glide into oncoming traffic, yield to any cars already in the roundabout. Then, keep to the left if you are going left or straight ahead. If there are two lanes, pull into the right (inside) lane and use your right indicator (blinker). Also, remember that your indicator is on the right. I can’t say how many times I have switched lanes using my windscreen (windshield) wipers. And always signal left when exiting.
This isn’t New York. Don’t use your horn unless your’e about to have a smash (accident).
Driving on the highways is pretty straightforward. Stay to the left; go right when overtaking. And save your car (and your heart) some damage by trailing a large truck or bus. Those koala signs are not just there for photo-ops. Hitting a kangaroo will do serious damage; swerving to miss it could do worse. Mornings and sunsets are the most dangerous times.
Then, find yourself a buddy or two. Not only will this help with petrol costs, it may save your life. Many points of interest are two or three hours apart. So get yourself a passenger (hostel walls are the perfect place to advertise), put on some driving tunes (no Radiohead, please) and fill up the coffee mug. The long stretches of highway, are full of dreamy coastline and hills of dramatic gum trees. It is lovely, but after a while it will put you to sleep. Many Aussie towns’ and cities’ road signs are scarce, so get a navigator and a good road map, and get off the beaten track.
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