Posted on 05/05/2025 12:05:07 PM PDT by DallasBiff
Australia drives on the left side of the road, and the reason for this is straightforward: historical influence from Great Britain. As a British colony until 1901, Australia adopted many British customs and laws, including the practice of driving on the left. This was not a unique decision; many other former British colonies also inherited this system, but let’s dive deeper into the history and the how’s and why’s of this driving norm.
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Then also I got a great deal for a rental car, an automatic transmission for 125 Us dollars for a week.
Went from Sydney to Katoombah, and I had to say to myself, stay in the left lane, that is the slow lane, and there were at least two speed traps along the way.
To avoid the dingoes?
Because that’s the direction their toilets flush
“Why do they drive on the left in Australia?”
Because they’re wrong.
Does Australia traffic use Roundabouts, as they do in Scotland
and England? I’ve heard they can be hectic and very confusing for many tourists.
When we were in Ireland, going straight was easy but turn on another road, watch out.
Pretty much roundabouts are everywhere now.
Do they still have the “Michigan Left”?
Now, I’m hearing that song ‘Roundabout’ by the group Yes.
Ear Worm alert!
XTC - English Roundabout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSIyaZoG0sU
It’s been so long since I’ve lived in Michigan, vs just visiting at Christmastime, I really don’t know if they do or not. I do know, the freeways seem to be much, much wider in the Detroit area, compared to near me in the Bay Area.
That may just be my perception. I’m a moody driver, at times.
I saw a couple and had to remind my self, stay left.
Well, thanks. May as well listen to it.
For others who don’t know. When I lived in Michigan, they don’t allow left turns at the light, you have to go past the light make a U-Turn and then turn right.
Nonstops from JFK to Sydney starting next year.
Plan JFK-SYD nonstop, Indian-Pacific train to Perth, PER-LHR nonstop, back home from London - Boston.
Circumnavigation in less than a week. What a world.
I am not a fan of roundabouts.
I’ve never been to Australia but have spent time in England and particularly the BVI and Cayman Islands.
Getting a car with right hand drive is important. It is both a good reminder as well as an important visibility aid at intersections.
It’s interesting to notice that tourists (and myself at times) look the wrong way for traffic when trying to cross the street. It’s funny how conditioned we become to a particular pattern.
Also interesting to note how efficient the traffic circles are in these countries. It’s the combination of drivers knowing how to properly use them and traffic circles properly sized for a smooth transition entering and exiting the circle.
Many cities here are trying to incorporate traffic circles in place of four way stops and traffic lights. But those two issues prevent their success. Ignorant drivers and vastly undersized circles for smooth functioning.
I can understand Australia, (that’s Australia, NOT Australian), but why do they drive on the left in JAPAN?
Hey boy, you tryin’ to spackle my buttcrack with Cool Whip?
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