Motorists are being urged to look out for wildlife, especially kangaroos, when travelling on central Victorian roads after revelations that Gisborne and Woodend are among the state’s roadkill hotspots.
New data from insurer AAMI shows kangaroos are involved in the overwhelming majority of collisions with animals, contributing to nine of every 10 claims.
Bendigo had the highest number of animal- collision claims in the 2015-16 financial year: 179 followed by Heathcote (124), Gisborne (94), Whittlesea (86) and Woodend (82).
AAMI spokesman Michael Mills said that with the average crash costing $5123, motorists should be extra attentive behind the wheel, especially between dusk and dawn when most collisions with animals occur. “It’s vital that drivers keep a lookout for wildlife on the road, particularly on country roads and rural and regional areas near national parks and forests,” Mr Mills said.
Animal collisions peak between June and August. “Shorter days during winter mean we’re on the road more at times when animals are on the move. That, combined with poor weather and reduced visibility, makes the chances of hitting an animal more likely,” he said.
Macedon Ranges highway patrol’s Sergeant Geoff Neil said motorists should resist the urge to avoid hitting small animals on the road.
“It’s natural instinct, when you’ve got something in front of you, to swerve around it,” he said. “But you are substantially better off hitting the kangaroo than running off the road into a tree.”
