New alarming research from AAMI found more than 40 per cent of Aussie drivers don’t pay attention to wildlife warning signs, and most drivers (60%) would dangerously swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid colliding with an animal, putting themselves and other drivers at risk.

The research also found one in ten Aussies don't know what they would do if they crashed into an animal. More than half (54%) of Aussie drivers have been involved in an animal collision.

Analysis of more than 21,000 AAMI animal collision claims across the country in 2023 also found:

• New South Wales is the most dangerous state for animal collisions (30%) followed by Victoria (29%) and Queensland (24%)
• Dubbo in New South Wales holds the dubious title of Australia’s worst animal collision hotspot, followed by Sunbury in Victoria and Goulburn in New South Wales
• 36 per cent of animal collisions occur on rural and regional roads
• Almost 60 per cent of all animal collisions occur between May and October
• Dusk is the most dangerous time for animal collisions, with a quarter of accidents occurring from 4:30-8pm
• Saturday is the worst day of the week for wildlife related road accidents – with almost one third (31%) of incidents taking place over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
• Male drivers, and those middle aged (between 45-54, followed closely by 55-64) are most likely to find themselves in an animal collision

A full breakdown of findings are available in the downloadable media release.

AAMI Motor Claims Manager Leah James said paying attention to wildlife signs could help drivers stay safe, especially this time of year.

"Our claims data consistently tells us dawn and dusk are the most dangerous times for animal collisions," she said.

"During winter, days are shorter and many of us are on the road when there's low light in the early mornings and late afternoons.

"This coincides with when nocturnal mammals are most active, so drivers need to be more vigilant, and on the lookout for wildlife."

"These signs are in place for a reason - to keep road users and wildlife safe. Paying attention to wildlife signs may not prevent an animal collision from happening, but it will help you start preparing so you're less likely to swerve in shock."

AAMI's research also found about a quarter of Aussies (28%) would keep driving if an animal appeared on the road, even if it meant hitting an animal and damaging their car.

“What people might not know is that it can be more dangerous to swerve to avoid hitting an animal than to keep driving. Swerving can mean losing control of your car, and increase the chances of colliding with a tree, pole or another vehicle, injuring yourself, passengers and potentially other drivers," Ms James said.

In 2023, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) received more than 180,000 calls to its rescue line and assisted more than 130,000 native animals. A large portion of wildlife came into their care after a vehicle collision, either being struck themselves or left orphaned after their mother was killed.

According to Kristie Newton from WIRES, habitat-loss and extreme weather are important factors of rising animal collisions.

“As habitat loss and extreme weather continues across Australia, our native animals are being displaced from their natural homes and forced into urban areas in search of food and shelter," she said.

"Last year, the number one animal crash hotspot, Dubbo, lost 351 hectares of tree cover.

"Sadly, because of the increase of habitat loss and extreme weather, our wildlife are becoming more vulnerable to traffic, and collisions with vehicles are on the rise.”

Ms Newton said, by taking note of the following steps, you could protect both yourself and our native animals:

1. Note wildlife signs – they are placed on specific roads known to intersect across wildlife territory.

2. Understand the high-risk times for wildlife and be extra vigilant.

3. Pack a rescue kit in your car, a simple cardboard box, towel and gloves are enough to save an animal's life.

4. Safely stop and pouch check – many marsupial joeys survive vehicle collisions when in their mum's protective pouch.

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Radio Grabs - Leah James AAMI

Radio Grabs - Kristie Newton WIRES