Car Hire In Australia Important Road Rules You Should Know
Travelling to The Land Down Under, and a Road Trip is on your wish list, everyone dreams of embarking on a road trip and a few actually do it. Before you go you will need a few of the local rules and regulations in Australia. We thought we would offer some useful information for visitors who wish to share our roads.
Firstly we drive on the left had side of the road here down under; oncoming traffic will pass you on your right which is the driver's side if they are coming towards you. In other countries such as Europe and America the driver is seated on the left side of the vehicle, these visitors will find it very unusual driving here for awhile. The controls such as the indicators, gear sticks will be on the other side so you will need to use your left hand to change gear. Inexperienced drivers are recommended to drive an automatic vehicle.
Seat Belts are compulsory in Australia for everyone travelling in a vehicle and heavy fines a given to passengers and drivers if found not to be wearing a seat belt. All children travelling in a moving vehicle must be restrained in an approved child seat; you should check the transport department website for full information before you travel. If you are hiring a vehicle, the car rental company will be able to advise you on the correct seating for your child. The rules governing children's restrains have changed in November 2009 all children to the age of 7 years must be in an approved child seat.
Road signs in each country are different and you should take some time to be familiar with the important ones. STOP and ONE WAY signs the stop sign in a red octagonal sign with stop in white while the one way sign in rectangular black and white with an arrow pointing in the direction on the traffic flow. Yellow signs are normally warning signs to alert drivers of a traffic hazard ahead. Tourist information signs are brown and will have a picture and wording depicting the attraction.
If you are involved in an accident while driving in Australia, stop the vehicle as soon as possible in the safest place possible, many major highways in Australia have safety zones for this purpose. Should someone be hurt call the emergency services. DIAL 000. If you are driving on the roads in Australia and you hear or see an emergency vehicle, you are required to slow your speed and move to the left side of the road so to make way for the vehicle. Never enter an intersection if you see an emergency vehicle coming even if you have a green light.
Schools in Australia have reduced speed limit areas around them, the speed limit will be clearly displayed and heavy fines are handed out to those breaking these speed limits. Children are not able to measure the speed and distance of moving vehicles and may step out into traffic without realising the danger. KEEP OUT CHILDREN SAFE DRIVE SLOWLY NEAR SCHOOLS even the rural areas.
Drinking driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Australia is not recommended, drink driving reduces your reaction time making it more likely you will be involved in an accident or be responsible for one. Your blood alcohol level must be below .05. Jail sentences and or heavy fines are given for those who break this rule. If you are planning to drink, plan an alternative mode of transport home and keep safe.
In the right car from the right car Rental Company at the right price will ensure that your road trip is as pleasurable as it can be. East Coast Car Rentals have the right car at the price with outstanding service, we will make your holiday or business trip in Australia one to remember. Drive Safely.
