Canberra has been dishonourably crowned as Australia’s worst hotspot for animal collisions for the third year running, while Victoria took out the country’s worst state, according to the latest AAMI data.
New AAMI data showed that there were more than 9,000 animal collisions recorded between March 2018 and February 2019, with a 40% peak posted between May and August.
“As the days shorten, motorists are sharing the road with animals for longer periods of time as animals are most active during dawn and dusk,” said Ashleigh Paterson, AAMI spokesperson.
AAMI said the top five animal collision hotspots are Cooma (NSW), Queanbeyan (NSW), Dubbo (NSW), Kambah (ACT), and Bungendore (NSW).
Kangaroos (83%), wallabies (4%), and wombats (3.5%) accounted for majority of the accidents, although collisions also occurred with dogs, deer, cows, emus, foxes, sheep, possums, cats, horses, goats, and ducks.
“Wildlife is unpredictable, so we encourage drivers to always expect the unexpected on the road, particularly in sign-posted wildlife areas,” Paterson said. “Simple things like being aware of your surroundings, driving to the speed limits, and being extra vigilant at dawn and dusk can help keep you and our wildlife safe.”
