Hunter Valley drivers are urged to be extra vigilant of kangaroos on the roads during winter, which is the peak period for car crashes involving animals.
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Research by NRMA Insurance has revealed 80 per cent of animal collisions on NSW roads involve kangaroos, with the number of animal-related crashes peaking during July and August.
NRMA Insurance head of research Robert McDonald said winter is the season most drivers and animals are at risk, with kangaroo collisions occurring frequently.
“Kangaroos are most active around sunrise and sunset when they are foraging and this is when they are most likely to venture onto roads, so we encourage drivers to slow down during twilight hours,” Mr. McDonald said.
“How you react when you see a kangaroo on the road can potentially save lives, so it’s important to stay alert so you have the best chance of reducing both human and animal casualties.
"If you hit a kangaroo and it is critically injured, we recommend you call your local wildlife group, Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) or the Police.”
Last year in Cessnock there were 26 crashes involving animals, and the same number was recorded in Pokolbin.
While most local motorists would have at least experienced a kangaroo hopping out in front of their vehicle, crashes involving animals in the Cessnock area are relatively low when compared across the state.
The town with the highest number of animal collisions in NSW in 2014 was Dubbo (141), with Orange (72) rounding out the top 10.
More than 10,200 animals including kangaroos, dogs, wombats, cattle and cats were injured or killed on NSW roads last year.
NRMA offers the following advice to 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 on 1300 094 737