Animal Collision Hotspots Revealed: Beware of Roos on Road

NRMA Insurance is reminding drivers to be cautious of wildlife on the road during the Easter long weekend and school holidays. The warning follows the release of new data which reveals 17,200 animal collisions occurred throughout 2021 and 2022[i].

The NRMA Insurance claims data shows most incidents take place in Autumn and Winter when the days become shorter and darker.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Motor Assessing David Wilkes has urged drivers to be wary of animals when driving at dawn, dusk, or at night, particularly with more people travelling on regional roads during the upcoming school holidays.

"It's important for drivers to be aware of the heightened risk of animal collisions when temperatures decline, and the daylight hours become shorter. During this time there is decreased visibility for drivers and increased wildlife activity," Mr Wilkes said.

NRMA Insurance claims data shows Dubbo was the country's most dangerous animal collision hotspot, followed by Canberra. In Western Australia and South Australia, Margaret River and Mt Gambier respectively recorded the most animal collisions. In Queensland, St George topped the list.

The data also revealed that drivers are most likely to collide with a kangaroo, which account for around 88% of all animal collisions in Australia.

It's awful to hear first-hand the shock and distress from our customers who have experienced an animal collision. The damage to a vehicle can be significant and can cause injuries to drivers and passengers.

David Wilkes

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Motor Assessing

"Sadly, the number of animals hit on our roads remains consistent year after year. Animals are unpredictable and how you react will help protect our wildlife, vehicles and potentially even lives, so it's important to be alert.

"If you see an animal on the road while driving, try to slow down, brake and don't swerve to avoid it, as you run the risk of colliding with another car or running off the road."

NRMA Insurance safety advice for drivers:

• If you can, avoid driving at dawn, dusk, or night-time as this is usually when animals are most active, and lack of light makes it more difficult to see them.
• Reduce your speed inside sign posted wildlife areas.
• If you see a kangaroo on or near the road, you should try and brake, but not swerve.
• If you hit an animal, if it is safe to do so, you should check the animal's welfare and call your local wildlife rescue service.

[1] Claims data is based on animal collision claims for NRMA Insurance, SGIC, and SGIO from January 2021 to December 2022.