Collisions with wildlife
Some road accidents involve native animals crossing roads, particularly at night. Familiarise yourself with these tips in case you are involved in a collision with wildlife:
- Look ahead and scan the side of the road for signs of animal activity. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
- Wildlife, especially kangaroos and wallabies, are drawn to the roadside, attracted by the feed watered by run-off from the roads. Kangaroos travel in mobs if you see one there could be more. Areas of high wildlife activity in the ACT are signposted.
- Be extra vigilant at dawn and dusk. Early morning, dusk and night-time are peak times for wildlife crossing roads, especially Kangaroos and more likely in winter and either side of a full moon. Animals can be dazed by bright lights so if possible slow down and dim your lights.
- Stay within the speed limit and drive to the conditions. Slow down if you see a kangaroo on or beside the road and when driving past parks and reserves. Be aware of what is on the roadside as well as on the road ahead.
- If a collision is unavoidable, stay straight and brake. Don’t swerve to miss a kangaroo. By swerving, you risk hitting oncoming cars or running off the road.
- Understand how the anti-lock braking system (ABS) in your car works and brake hard. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining tractive contact with the road surface.
- Don’t tailgate. Leave room, the driver in front may encounter an animal on the road and need to stop. Not only will it give you more time to react if an animal suddenly appears in front of you, but it will also reduce the impact and damage to your car.
What to do if you hit an animal
Report all accidents involving injured wildlife to Access Canberra on 13 22 81 (24 hours). Staff will contact rangers who will assess the welfare of the animal and if necessary, humanely euthanise the animal. Be sure to explain the animal’s condition and its exact location.
Remember all accidents involving a motor vehicle should be reported to the police by completing the AFP crash report smart form.
