A new report from AA Insurance suggests that more than a quarter of New Zealand drivers are not heeding wildlife road signs, increasing the likelihood of vehicle-animal collisions.
The insurer’s claims data indicated an 11% rise in animal-related crashes in 2024, with payouts exceeding $2.45 million.
AA Insurance motor assessing manager Weaver Vagana said that while New Zealanders value the country’s native wildlife, many motorists may not fully recognise the role of road signs in preventing collisions.
“Collisions with animals can happen in a split second – often resulting in swerving or abrupt braking, which can significantly increase the risk of serious accidents, as well as being an emotionally distressing and disruptive experience for the driver,” he said.
AA Insurance’s data showed that one in 10 animal collision claims resulted in a total loss last year.
According to customer reports, many of these incidents happened at night, when visibility is reduced.
The insurer identified Canterbury, Waikato, and Auckland as the regions with the highest frequency of wildlife collisions. Other areas with the highest rates of animal-related crashes are:
Vagana recommended that drivers take extra precautions by reducing speed in areas marked with wildlife signs, using high beams on unlit roads when appropriate, and ensuring their headlights are functioning properly.
He also advised that if an animal crosses a driver’s path, it is safer to avoid swerving if doing so could lead to a loss of control.
AA Insurance provided additional advice for motorists, including:
The company also advised drivers to assess any damage to their vehicle after a collision and contact their insurer with photographic evidence if possible.
Aside from animal collisions, “backseat driving” has become a growing concern among New Zealand drivers.
In a separate study, AA Insurance found that 82% of surveyed New Zealanders admitted to engaging in backseat driving, with 45% saying they do so regularly. A third of drivers indicated that this behaviour affects their ability to focus on the road.
Backseat driving refers to behaviours such as reacting to the driver’s decisions, offering unsolicited advice on navigation, or making comments about driving habits.
AA Insurance’s head of motor claims, Beau Paparoa, noted that while passengers often intend to be helpful, their actions can become a source of distraction.
“Many of us have experienced a passenger who believes they’re providing ‘helpful’ advice, or we’re guilty of being an overly enthusiastic backseat driver ourselves,” he said.
AA Insurance is advising passengers to be mindful of how their actions affect drivers, particularly during busy travel periods.
