Wildlife Warning For School Holiday Road Trips

NRMA Insurance is reminding drivers to be on the lookout for wildlife on our roads this school holidays, as new claims data reveals NRMA Insurance received more than 12,100 claims due to animal collisions in 2024.

The data shows most incidents occurred during Autumn and Winter when the days are shorter and cooler, and nocturnal animals are more active. This is underscored by a 25% jump in incidents occurring in April 2024, compared to March 2024, highlighting the increased risk during the school holiday period.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager David Wilkes said: "Wildlife collisions can be extremely dangerous for drivers and cause significant accidents, so we're reminding everybody travelling during the school holidays to take care, especially when driving long distances on regional roads.

"Our claims data shows there is a heightened risk of wildlife on our roads during autumn and winter when animals are more active in the early morning and evening. The shorter days mean nocturnal animals are more active when many people set off on their trip early in the morning or are still driving in the late afternoon or early evening."

Kangaroos are the most likely animal to be involved in an incident, accounting for over 85% of all animal collision claims. This is followed by wallabies, wombats, deer, foxes, cattle, and koalas.

NRMA Insurance claims data revealed that Dubbo, Goulburn and Canberra continue to be the most high-risk areas for animal collisions in New South Wales and the ACT.

In Queensland, Goondiwindi, Charters Towers and St George reported the most incidents. The worst areas for wildlife collisions in South Australia were Hawker, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and McLaren Vale. Western Australia's hotspots were Collie, Margaret River, and Busselton.

How drivers react to an animal on the road can reduce the risk of an accident, save lives and protect our wildlife. It's important for drivers to be well-rested before setting off on a long drive and to take regular breaks during the journey.

David Wilkes

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager

"If you see an animal on the road while driving, try to slow down and don't swerve to avoid it, as you run the risk of colliding with another car or running off the road."

NRMA Insurance safety advice for drivers:

• If you can, avoid driving at dawn, dusk, or night-time as this is usually when animals are most active, and lack of light makes it more difficult to see them.
• It's important to have a good night's sleep before a long drive and schedule regular breaks, ideally a 15-minute break every two hours.
• Reduce your speed inside sign posted wildlife areas.
• If you see an animal on or near the road, you should try to slowly brake but not swerve.
• If you hit an animal, if it is safe to do so, you should check the animal's welfare and call your local wildlife rescue service.