Australian Traffic Laws
A person with a valid drivers license in English is allowed to drive in Australia, though keep in mind that people drive on the left side of the road there. Americans might find that driving on the left side is difficult to get used to. Fortunately, Australian traffic laws are designed to promote safety and reduce the number of deaths related to traffic accidents and are easily manageable by good drivers.
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Considerations
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As with most every country in the world, Australian streets are governed by traffic signs that control speed, turns, merging and stops. The road signs and traffic laws are maintained and created by the Australian Transport Council and the Australia Transport and Road Ministers.
Australian Speed Limit
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The speed limit in Australia is contingent on the location, but the average motorist can drive up to 60 kilometers or 35 miles per hour. The speed limit is one of the main reasons that people are stopped for traffic violations. Australia keeps people driving under the speed limit by increased surveillance levels and implementing cameras to maximize public safety.
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Cellular Phones and Driving
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It is illegal for a person to use a mobile phone when driving in Australia. If the vehicle is moving and a person has a mobile phone in their hand, they are breaking the law. Mobile phone use includes talking, sending reading or writing text messages. Many countries have witnessed an increase in traffic accidents and violations due to mobile phone use and are implementing laws to reduce the risk.
Drinking and Driving
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Drinking and driving in Australia is illegal if a person has a blood alcohol level above .05. If a person is suspected of driving under the influence, Australia officers can administer a random breath test to determine if a person has been drinking. Another common traffic law in Australia is that pedestrians are always right; this means a driver is required by law to give way to pedestrians.
Traffic Accidents in Australia
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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of traffic accidents in Australia are most prominent in New South Wales. The area with the least amount of traffic accidents and fatalities is Tasmania. Although accidents are a cause of death in many countries, Australia has made many efforts to achieve road safety and has seen those achievements pay off by being one of the countries with the least amount of fatal accidents.
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