Saturday, May 25, 2013
Murray River Region: 13 Important Road Travel Safety Tips
Whatever you intend to do during the holiday, be it a family escapade on a houseboat in Murray River; a tour to museums, national parks, and other historic structures; or outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, canoeing, or golfing, you need to take note of the following road travel safety tips and road conditions in most of Australia.
o It is highly advised to get an international license (unless yours is accepted in Australia) from your local automobile association before your departure
o Road speed limits vary among states but in general it's 100 to 110 kph (62 to 68 mph) on expressways and 50 to 60 kph (31 to 37 mph) in built-up areas. Interstate highways and traffic volumes differ from that of American and European highway systems.
o Australian traffic drives on the left side of the road.
o Do not hitch-hike because it is prohibited.
o Be sure you carry a green slip when you are traveling in New South Wales as it's required of all drivers.
o Fatigue is the most serious danger on the road. Look for a pit stop and grab a refreshing drink or take a quick rest after several hours of driving.
o Never leave children or animals locked in cars. It is illegal. They can be dehydrated very rapidly in a very hot weather.
o Be very careful when driving on country road at night in a cold weather. Local animals like cattle and kangaroos lie on road surfaces to get warm for the night. Car lights can blind and alarm these animals which could make them run into your car as they run away from it.
o When you are traveling on outback or country roads, be careful about dusts as they can greatly reduce road visibility. Do not take risks. Slow down or stop until it disappears.
o When you're traveling on rough roads, always do a vehicle check before proceeding to the following road.
o When you are travelling on remote outback tracks, always advise somebody at your destination of your expected time of arrival and the number of individuals in your group. If you weren't able to arrive within a reasonable time, help or rescue procedures can be carried out. Never leave your vehicle as a missing automobile is a lot easier to find than a missing person.
o Don't try to cross inundated rivers and causeways unless you are certain of the water's depth and any damages on the road's surface. Take note that most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
o Be cautious when you're on a road shared with road trains. Always give them plenty of space as the pounding sound can be quite severe. Before overtaking a road train, give about 1km or 3,000 feet of clear road.
