NRMA Insurance data for 2023 shows that claims resulting from vehicle collisions with animals rose 34 per cent compared to 2022. According to NRMA, the sharp increase to 12,880 claims marks the highest number of incidents since 2019.
Releasing the data ahead of the Easter holiday long weekend, NRMA urged drivers to be vigilant about wildlife when driving.
“Wildlife accidents can be extremely dangerous and the four-year high in animal collision claims serves as a reminder for drivers to take caution, especially during the holiday period when people are travelling long distances on regional roads,” said Natalie Major, NRMA Insurance Executive Manager.
“Our claims data shows there is a heightened risk of wildlife encounters during autumn and winter when the days are shorter and darker, and nocturnal animals are more active.
“Our data also shows that kangaroos are the most likely to be involved in an incident, accounting for 85 per cent of all animal collision claims. This is followed by wallabies, wombats, deer, foxes, cattle, and koalas.”
NRMA claims data revealed that Dubbo, Goulburn and Canberra are the most high-risk areas for animal collisions in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. In Queensland, Goondiwindi, Jimboomba, and Roma reported the most incidents, while the worst areas in Western Australia were Collie, Margaret River, and Busselton. South Australia’s hotspots were Penola, Port Augusta and Mount Gambier, while the Northern Territory listed Mataranka, Alice Springs and Adelaide River. No data was given for Victoria.