Frequent drivers on Australia’s country roads will know many native animals die unnecessarily from collisions with cars. Motorists also risk injury and serious damage to their vehicles from impact with kangeroos at speed.
Roadkill capital
According to insurer AAMI, the roadkill capital of Australia is just outside Canberra in Queanbeyan. Following a survey of nearly 20,000 claims, the worst places for collisions with animals are:
- Queanbeyan, NSW
- Bendigo, Vic
- Dingo, Qld
- Singleton, NSW
- Goulburn, NSW.
Some 88% of the collisions involve kangaroos, 6% wallabies, 3% wombats and 2% dogs. The chances of an accident in Winter are 70% higher.
Tasmania toll
While the AAMI survey is based on claims made for vehicle damage, a study by Hobday and Minstrell found the animal and bird toll in Tasmania is in fact the highest in the world.
- One animal is killed every 3 kms
- 3000,000 mammals and birds are killed each year
- One animal is killed every 2 mins.
Unfortunately, the times when visibility is lowest on the roads is the time when kangaroos and wallabies are most likely to be active. Young animals are also likely to have less fear of oncoming vehicles.
Drivers need to go slower at dawn and dusk, especially around corners, and have their lights on high beam if driving at more than 80 kmh. Never throw litter out of the window, as this can encourage animals to venture out on the road.
Remember your CTP green slip does not cover damage done to your car by an animal. For this you will need comprehensive insurance.
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