RELATED:
What to do if you find a sick or injured animal at the roadside »
Check out our video on how to protect yourself and our wildlife:
As the weather cools down during winter, you usually start to notice more animals around WA roads, particularly during dawn and dusk when they are most active.
Of the 2238 reported animal collision claims by RAC Insurance members in 2016, 73% of the collisions were with kangaroos. Other animals involved included cows, horses, dogs, cats, wombats and possums.
What can you do to try and avoid an animal collision?
- If you spot an animal near the road, attempt to brake, but don't swerve as this can endanger yourself or your passengers.
- One solitary animal or road kill can be a sign of other wildlife in the area, so make sure you slow down and be extra cautious whilst driving.
- Be extra careful when driving at dawn or dusk and pay attention to yellow animal warnings signs in the area.
- Avoid driving at night if possible, particularly in rural areas.
- If you do have to drive at night, make sure you use your high-beams and pay attention to reflecting eyes in the distance.
- It's also a good idea to keep the Wildlife Helpline handy 9474 9055, in case you are involved in a collision with an animal.
Avoiding livestock collisions
Driving in remote and regional areas of WA means sharing the road with more than just other vehicles.
Wild animals and livestock are a common sight on our country roads and all motorists need to be prepared to respond to the movements of animals while driving outside metropolitan areas.
Crashes with kangaroos are common across the State, but crashes with vehicles and livestock are also a danger, with the greatest number of livestock crashes occurring in the State’s pastoral regions, including the Kimberley, Mid West Gascoyne, Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance.
Between 2014 and 2018 approximately 247 crashes occurred with livestock in pastoral regions and approximately 9 in 10 of those involved cattle, according to Main Roads WA.
While kangaroos and other wild animals may startle drivers by moving unpredictably near roads, cattle crossing roads can be slow and motorists should exercise patience, approach slowly, and be prepared for any unexpected movement from the animals. Extra care should also be taken when driving from dusk to dawn.
