Australia’s top animal collision hotspots revealed
Drivers warned to avoid complacency on regional roads with an animal collision spike set to further impact bushfire affected areas.As Australian's start heading back out onto the roads and travelling into regional areas for day trips and weekend stays as COVID-19 restrictions ease, motorists are urged to take care as new data reveals danger hotspots.
Animal collisions on regional roads are expected to spike as we approach the winter months with a 15 per cent jump expected between May and August according to insurance company AAMI. This high-risk time follows a horror bushfire season which has taken an enormous toll on native wildlife and their habitats, with fears an increase in animal collisions will further impact recovery efforts.
Analysis of over 21,000 AAMI 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).
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.”
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
As we approach this period and resume travel, here are some tips for sharing regional roads with animals to ensure your safety and their safety.
- 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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