The unusually dry weather in many parts of the country is bringing wildlife closer to roads in search of food … and sparking a significant spike in animal/vehicle collisions.
While dogs, cattle, cats, emus, wombats sheep and deer are among the creatures involved in collisions, new data from SGIC insurance claims shows that kangaroos account for more than 75% of all animal related collisions in many areas.
SGIC head of research, Robert McDonald, has urged grey nomads and other motorists to be ever vigilant.
“We want to urge all drivers to be aware when at the wheel,” he said. “How you react when you see a kangaroo on the road can potentially save lives.”
Hungry wildlife is often drawn to the side of the road where the greenest grass is commonly found, and Mr McDonald said drivers should slow down, particularly at sunrise and sunset when kangaroos are often most active and looking for food.
RAA senior road safety senior manager Charles Mountain told the Border Watch newspaper that although animal crashes only represented 2% of all crashes in South Australia in th past five years, they had resulted in 41 serious injuries and three deaths.
They have also spoilt a lot of trips and costs motorists a lot of money. Mount Gambier panel beater Garry Buckell said damage can range from around $2000to $8000 and some cars are written off.
“We see at least one kangaroo related crash a week,” he told th Border Watch. “But in the summer months in can be four to five.”
SGIC offered the following advice to drivers:
– If you see an animal on or near the road, you should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision
– Reduce your speed inside sign posted wildlife areas
– If you hit the animal and safety permits, you should try to help by moving it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes
– Don’t force the animal to eat or drink
– Contact a local veterinarian or a wildlife rescue centre such as SA Fauna Rescue.
* Have you noticed more wandering wildlife than normal? Have you had a ‘too close’ encounter with an Aussie animal? Comment below.
