While there are eight states and territories in this huge country, road rules are largely the same, which is good news if you travel around.
Many visitors fail to realise just how big this country really is and that the distances between towns vary significantly with distances between the major cities even greater. Conditions can be very hot and dry, with fuel and food not always available for miles and miles. Make sure you hire a car with a big tank, and a large boot!
Pictured above: Innes National Park, near Marian Bay on the Yorke Penninsula, about five hours drive out of Adelaide.
Driver fatigue is a serious road safety concern. Car trips outside major cities can take several hours or even days. Driving outside of cities can be very tiresome due to the long, straight roads disappearing into the distance, and with little traffic. In rural areas, roads can vary from bitumen surfaces to gravel and dirt. Beware of soft road edges on the main routes that can cause you to skid if you nod off, even for a moment. Drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
Here in South Australia (SA), the most important rule is that you drive with care and consideration of other road users. You must carry your licence with you at all times when you drive. There's an on-the-spot fine for not having it with you.
The local AA say you should check the driver licence requirements for temporary visitors and new residents.
Like at home, you drive on the left hand-side of the road. The speed limit in urban areas is 50km/h but in the suburbs, I've found it is usually at 60km/h. Roads are very wide here in Adelaide and traffic seems to move well.
The limit on most highways is 100 km/h; just a few roads allow you to travel at 110km/h. Be prepared to pay a heavy fine if you are caught exceeding the 'posted' speed limit. Ditto if you drink and drive as Australia has strict laws on drinking and driving and the police actively enforce them!
Cops can stop any vehicle and breath test the driver ... at any time! You cannot drive if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.05 or higher. There are also strict laws on drugs and driving and police can conduct random roadside saliva tests to detect the presence of drugs.
Don't even think of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
If you do experience a breakdown in a remote area, stay with the car; don't attempt to walk to safety; stay in the shade and keep hydrated (always take along lots and lots of water with you, as well as some food). Roadside assistance in SA is by the RAA with reciprocal rights offered to visitors from other states and some overseas countries (check this before you visit!). If in trouble, call '000' for emergency assistance throughout Australia. From mobile phones, it's 112.
Don't drive during hours when you are normally asleep and always carry a current road map.
'See yah later'
