SYDNEY, July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- According to new claims data from NRMA Insurance, animal collisions have increased by 15 per cent in the last calendar year, rising roo risk for NSW drivers. Kangaroos still top the list of animals most likely to be involved in a road accident, followed by dogs, wombats, cattle and cats.
NRMA Insurance spokesperson Mariana Cidade said kangaroo collisions peak in the winter months, particularly in July, posing a hopping hazard to drivers.
"We encourage motorists to slow down when driving at sunrise and sunset as this is when kangaroos are most active and looking for food."
"Kangaroo collisions can pose a significant safety risk as they can potentially smash a windscreen and injure drivers and their passengers."
"We urge motorists to try and stop if they see an animal on the road but not swerve to avoid a collision. How you react can potentially save lives," said Ms Cidade.
While the majority of animal collisions occur on country roads, city drivers should also remain vigilant.
"We are urging drivers to be mindful of all wildlife on all roads, whether they are country highways or suburban streets."
"If you hit an animal on the road please report it to your local wildlife group, Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), or the Police," Ms Cidade said.
NRMA Insurance offers the following advice for NSW drivers:
NSW hotspots | Number of animal collisions | NSW hotspots | Number of animal collisions | ||||
1 | Dubbo | 178 | 6 | Broken Hill | 90 | ||
2 | Mudgee | 124 | 7 | Moree | 84 | ||
3 | Goulburn | 124 | 8 | Armidale | 78 | ||
4 | Orange | 111 | 9 | Tamworth | 78 | ||
5 | Singleton | 102 | 10 | Muswellbrook | 78 |
* Based on NRMA Car Insurance claims data for the 2012 calendar year.
Media contact:
Mariana Cidade
+61-411-011-857