Regional drivers warned to avoid complacency: Animal collision spike set to further impact bushfire-affected wildlife
Despite there being fewer cars on our roads, Australia’s regional drivers are being warned the likelihood of hitting a roo while behind the wheel is about to increase.
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According to the latest data from Suncorp Group insurance brand AAMI, animal collisions are once again expected to spike as winter sets in, with a 15 per cent jump between May and August. This high-risk time follows a horror bushfire season which has taken an enormous toll on animal life and habitats, with fears an increase in animal collisions will further impact vulnerable wildlife.
Kristie Newton from WIRES, NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, said: “The summer bushfires have wiped out an estimated one billion native animals, and the devastating loss of so much bushland has left many displaced and vulnerable.
“As we head into winter, we may see increased activity particularly from nocturnal wildlife as they cross roads in search of food and water, which we saw after the drought, increasing the likelihood of them being hit,” Ms Newton said.
AAMI’s Head of Motor Claims Anna Cartwright warned drivers to be on the look-out for wildlife as we head into the danger period.
“Now is the time for drivers to keep their eyes peeled for wildlife crossing roads, and be extra vigilant especially at dawn and dusk when visibility can be difficult, and nocturnal animals are more active,” Ms Cartwright said.
Analysis of more than 21,000 AAMI animal collision claims between 1 February 2019 and 31 January 2020 revealed Canberra as the country’s most dangerous hotspot.
New South Wales has been ranked the worst state for animal collisions, followed closely by Victoria. Almost one third of animal related accidents across the country took place on NSW roads.
AAMI revealed the top animal collision hotspots in each state and territory as:
| Location | #1 State Hotspots |
| National | Canberra |
| New South Wales | Dubbo (new) |
| Victoria | Heathcote (new) |
| Queensland | Roma (new) |
| Western Australia | Baldivis |
| South Australia | Port Augusta |
| Tasmania | Kingston (new) |
| Australian Capital Territory | Canberra |
While Canberra’s reign as Australia’s top animal collision hotspot continues for a fourth consecutive year, new entrants to this year’s list include Dubbo in New South Wales, Heathcote in Victoria, Roma in Queensland and Kingston in Tasmania.
Ms Newton from WIRES warned: “As native animals come closer to the road to feed, drivers should be extra vigilant especially near water sources like creeks or gullies where thick fog can occur and reduce drivers’ visibility.
“If you’ve been involved in an accident with wildlife, please pull over where it is safe to check whether the animal is injured. For your own safety never approach an adult kangaroo, even if it’s injured. If it has passed away, check its pouch as young animals will not survive long in these conditions.
“Keep any distressed animals warm, ideally wrapped in a blanket, jumper or cardboard box, and keep quiet until you can call for help.”
#Tips for sharing the road with animals
If you notice roadkill, slow down and pay extra attention. It’s an indicator of wildlife in the area.
If you spot a kangaroo crossing the road, it's a sign that more roos will be following as they move in groups.
If you see an animal on the road, slow down and brake, but avoid swerving so as not to endanger yourself and other drivers on the road. It’s far less dangerous to keep driving and damage your car than swerve to avoid it and collide with another vehicle or
If you’re involved in an animal collision, stop to check its welfare, but only if it is safe to do so. If the animal is alive and injured call WIRES or your local wildlife rescue service.
If it’s a dead kangaroo, check if it is a female and if there’s a joey(s) in her pouch or around her. Pouches/flaps of wombats and echidnas should also be checked as well as the surrounding area, as young echidnas are often dislodged during a vehicle coll
Drive slowly and be extra vigilant when driving at dawn or dusk, as this is when animals are most active.
Use your peripheral vision and be aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling through forest or grassland areas where animals are not clearly visible.
AAMI’s Ms Cartwright added: “Wildlife is unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere, so it’s vitally important to slow down and be aware of your environment, particularly in signposted wildlife areas.
“We encourage drivers to always expect the unexpected, particularly out-of-towners driving on country roads. Don’t drive distracted and above all, drive to the conditions to keep yourself, your family and our wildlife safe.”
AAMI’s data found motorists are most likely to experience a major collision with a kangaroo (84 per cent), wallaby (5 per cent), wombat (2 per cent), deer (2 per cent) or bird (1 per cent).
The worst day of the week for animal crashes is Friday, followed by the weekend.
#The top 5 animal collision hotspots in each state are:
| New South Wales | |
| 1. | Dubbo |
| 2. | Goulburn |
| 3. | Mudgee |
| 4. | Cooma |
| 5. | Inverell |
|
| |
| 1. | Heathcote |
| 2. | Gisborne |
| 3. | Wallan |
| 4. | Sunbury |
| 5. | Woodend |
| Queensland | |
| 1. | Roma |
| 2. | Goondiwindi |
| 3. | Moranbah |
| 4. | Middlemount |
| 5. | St George |
| Western Australia | |
| 1. | Baldivis |
| 2. | Nannup |
| 3. | Busselton |
| 3. | Karratha |
| 3. | Margaret River |
| South Australia | |
| 1. | Port Augusta |
| 2. | Mount Gambier |
| 3. | Coober Pedy |
| 3. | Morgan |
| 3. | Whyalla |
| Tasmania | |
| 1. | Kingston |
| 2. | Launceston |
| 3. | Cambridge |
| 4. | Hobart |
| 5. | George Town |
| Australian Capital Territory | |
| 1. | Canberra |
| 2. | Kambah |
| 3. | Belconnen |
| 4. | Hume |
| 5. | Symonston |
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