Animal Collision Hotspots Across Australia

AAMI* has released their 2024 data on Animal Collision Hotspots across Australia. The insurance company is issuing warnings of ‘hotspots’ across Australia where most animal strikes happen as research shows that more than 40% of Australian drivers don’t pay attention to wildlife warning signs, and 60% would dangerously swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid colliding with an animal.

The insurer has released new data since the peak period of animal related car strikes approaches. Due to the increase of habitat loss and extreme weather, our wildlife is becoming more vulnerable to traffic, and collisions with vehicles are on the rise with an increase of 22% year-on-year according to new claims data from national insurer AAMI.

NSW topped the list as the state with the most animal related accidents comprising of 30% of collisions followed by VIC with 29% and QLD with 24%. Kangaroos remain the highest at risk for an animal, with increasing collisions with wallabies, wombats, deer, dogs, cows, emus, pigs, foxes and rabbits. The study was able to identify Saturday as the most common day for an animal strike followed by Sunday.

These are only a small percentage of animal strikes across the country as a majority of vehicles in remote areas are equipped to handle occasional animal strike and most likely never report. Fitting an ECB Frontal Protection Product can eliminate damage, minimize the risk of injury to your family, and help you arrive at your destination safely. Please see ECB's Dealer Locator in these areas for where to get ECB Frontal Protection Products installed. 

Top animal collision hotspots per state

Location #1                 State Hotspots
National                        Dubbo

NSW                             Dubbo
VIC                                Sunbury
QLD                              Nebo
WA                                Baldivis
SA                                 Port Augusta
TAS                               Kingston
ACT                               Canberra
NT                                 Katherine

What to do when encountering animals in populated areas

Animals are common on Australia’s roadways no matter where you are. Please take note of cautionary road signs and drive accordingly. 

• Stay alert especially around dawn & dusk
• Take extra care in regional areas. Use your peripheral vision for movement on the sides of the roads
• Don’t expect a kangaroo on the side of the road to stay there. When frightened they react and can only move forward
• If you encounter roadkill on the side of the road slow down as they move in mobs
• Animals marked with a painted ‘X’ and ribbon tied around the body has already been checked and pending removal
• If an animal enters the roadway brake and stay straight! Swerving may cause an accident

If you strike an animal

• If you hit an animal move safely off the road to a safe place and activate your hazard lights
• Check the welfare of the animal only if it’s safe to do so. Animals are unpredictable and even more so when injured. If alive contact the local wildlife services
• If the animal is a marsupial check and see if it was carrying a joey. If so, contact the local wildlife services
• It is important to move the animal from the roadway since carnivorous mammals are attracted by them. If you’re unable to, please contact local road services
• Please consider your safety first before checking the welfare of an animal in the roadway
  
  

*Report has no indication of claims filed with other insurance companies and may be higher.