Don’t let a kanga ‘roo-in’ your bumperNRMA Insurance is urging drivers to be careful on regional roads after the insurer’s claims data revealed an increase in vehicles colliding with animals*.
By: NRMA Insurance NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald said kangaroo collisions on country roads are a significant problem that peaks during winter. “At this time of year, many kangaroos are active on our roads,” Mr McDonald said. “They are often looking for food at sunrise and sunset and it’s during this time that an increased number of collisions occur.” There was more than double the amount of animal related collisions in NSW than any other state. Mr McDonald said that although most animal collisions occur on country roads, city drivers should also be mindful when dogs and cats are near cars. “Dogs are the second most likely animal to be hit and we also regularly see insurance claims from collisions with cats, wombats and cattle.” “We want to urge all drivers to be aware when at the wheel. How you react when you see a kangaroo on the road can potentially save lives. "If you hit a kangaroo and it is critically injured, you can call your local wildlife group, Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) or the Police,” Mr McDonald said. NRMA Insurance offers some advice for NSW drivers: If you see an animal on or near the road, you should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision; Reduce your speed inside sign posted wildlife areas; If you hit the animal and safety permits, you should try to help by moving it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes; Don’t force the animal to eat or drink; and Contact a local veterinarian or a wildlife rescue centre such as WIRES. For more information please visit: http://www.nrma.com.au/ Photo: https://www.prlog.org/ End
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