NRMA Insurance has been reminding drivers to be on the lookout for wildlife on our roads this school holidays, as new claims data reveals NRMA Insurance received more than 12,100 claims due to animal collisions in 2024.
The data shows most incidents occurred during autumn and winter when the days are shorter and cooler, and nocturnal animals are more active. This is underscored by a 25 per cent jump in incidents occurring in April 2024, compared to March 2024, highlighting the increased risk during the school holiday period.
“Wildlife collisions can be extremely dangerous for drivers and cause significant accidents, so we’re reminding everybody travelling during the school holidays to take care, especially when driving long distances on regional roads,” NRMA Insurance executive manager, David Wilkes, said.
Kangaroos are the most likely animal to be involved in an incident, accounting for over 85 per cent of all animal collision claims. Wallabies, wombats, deer, foxes, cattle, and koalas follow this.
NRMA Insurance claims data revealed that Dubbo, Goulburn and Canberra continue to be the most high-risk areas for animal collisions in New South Wales and the ACT.
In Queensland, Goondiwindi, Charters Towers and St George reported the most incidents. The worst areas for wildlife collisions in South Australia were Hawker, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and McLaren Vale. Western Australia’s hotspots were Collie, Margaret River, and Busselton.