Animal road strike hotspots revealed
NSW named worst state for roadkillAs more cars, and caravans, start heading back out onto the roads and travelling into regional areas for day trips and extended stays as COVID-19 restrictions ease, motorists are being urged to take care as new data reveals 'roadkill' danger hotspots around the country.
Analysis by insurance company AAMI of over 21,000 insurance claims associated with animal collisions between 1 February 2019 and 31 January 2020 have revealed Canberra as the country’s most dangerous animal collision hotspot location.
New South Wales was ranked the worst state for animal collisions overall with almost one third of animal related accidents across the country taking place on NSW roads.
The data also showed which animals were most likely to be involved in a major collision with motorists. Kangaroos were the most common animal involved at 84 per cent, followed by wallabies (5 per cent), wombats (2 per cent), deer (2 per cent) and birds (1 per cent).
The top five animal collision hotspots in each state:
New South Wales
Dubbo, Goulburn, Mudgee, Cooma and Inverell
Victoria
Heathcote, Gisborne, Wallan, Sunbury and Woodend
Queensland
Roma, Goondiwindi, Moranbah, Middlemount and St George
Western Australia
Baldivis, Nannup, Busselton, Karratha and Margaret River
South Australia
Port Augusta, Mount Gambier, Coober Pedy, Morgan, Whyalla
Tasmania
Kingston, Launceston, Cambridge, Hobart, George Town
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra, Kambah, Belconnen, Hume, Symonston
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.
“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, family and our wildlife safe.”
Tips to reduce roadkill
If you see roadkill, slow down, it’s an indicator of wildlife in the area.
If you see an animal on the road, 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 tree.
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.
Drive slowly and be extra vigilant at dawn or dusk, 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.
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