“Most people have severe limitations in driving skills but they can steer down the road and choose a reasonable speed.”

Yes. I would agree that a good portion of drivers do have “severe” limitations to their driving ability. Yes they can steer down the road without too much trouble. But they don’t need to choose a reasonable speed because the cruising speed is basically set in each speed zone. And thank goodness for that, as a large portion of both skilled and skills-challenged drivers would choose to go too fast.

“….so many people are trying to work out which side of the road to drive on.”

Hells bells! I don’t think tourist drivers are quite that bad, although some of them certainly appear to have no idea of Australian road rules or basic courtesy.

“There are many reasons for the high accident rate on NT roads.”

Yes and alcoholism, poor driving skills and poor vehicle roadworthiness, largely in indigenous communities, has a lot to do with it. Animals on the road and long boring flat straight roads are other factors. The open speed limit was an irresponsible added risk factor, which exacerbated the dangers of all these things.

The open highway speed limit in NT is now 130kmh with 110 on other rural roads unless otherwise signed. That is one big improvement.