by Shanti Gunaratnam

IT'S tourist season in Australia during spring and summer. Many visitors are opting to go on self-drive holidays there, choosing to see places like Lorne, Ballarat and the Great Ocean Road.

According to www.austravel.com.au/australian_travel.htm, there are some ground rules to be observed before you get behind a wheel in that country.

For a start, Australian traffic drives on the left side of the road.

If you are in doubt about your driving licence being accepted in Australia, obtain an International Licence prior to your departure.

Speed limits differ in different States but are generally 100-110kph on the highways and 50-60kph in built-up areas. Interstate highways are not of the same standard as USA and European highway systems but nor do they carry the same traffic volumes.

Don't hitch-hike - it's illegal.

Never leave small children or animals locked in vehicles in very hot weather as dehydration occurs very quickly and besides, it's also illegal.

The most serious danger is fatigue. Look for driver refreshment stations and pull off and rest after driving for several hours.

During cold weather, be careful when driving on country roads. Cattle and native animals such as kangaroos like to lie on bitumen road surface which holds the warmth of the sun. Car lights blind and mesmerise the animals and they may just as easily run into your vehicle as run away from it.

When travelling on remote outback roads or tracks, always advise someone at the destination of your expected arrival time and number of people in your party. Then, should you fail to arrive within a reasonable time, help procedures can be initiated. Don't leave your car as a missing vehicle is easier to locate than a missing person.

When travelling on unsurfaced or poor quality roads, always conduct a vehicle check before starting off on the next sector.

Extra care is needed when sharing the road with road-trains. These are prime movers with multiple trailers of cattle attached and are about 50m long. Always give them plenty of room as the buffeting from displaced air as you pass in opposite directions, can be quite severe. Allow at least 1km of clear road when overtaking a road train.

Don't attempt to cross flooded rivers unless you are sure of the water depth and road surface damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.

Dust from passing vehicles on outback roads can obscure your vision. Don't take risks. Slow down or stop until the dust settles. - www.austravel.com.au/australian_travel.htm