SGIO Research Shows Kangaroos Costly for Western Australian Drivers

Animals, particularly kangaroos, are the cause of more than 30 Western Australian collisions a week, according to new research by SGIO.*

Perth, Western Australia (PRWEB) July 8, 2009 -- Animals, particularly kangaroos, are the cause of more than 30 WA collisions a week, according to new research by car insurance provider SGIO.*

Last year the insurer received claims for more than 1,700 animal-related collisions with around three quarters caused by kangaroos, costing on average nearly $4,000.

Unfortunately, at this time of year, many kangaroos are active on our roads and visibility can be poorer due to weather conditions

They are often looking for food at sunrise and sunset and it is during this time that an increased number of collisions with vehicles occur.

Dogs are the second most likely animal to be hit and we also regularly see insurance claims for collisions with cattle, cats and emus.

If we see a kangaroo on or near the road, we should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision

If we hit the animal and if it's safe to do so, the driver should also try to help it and move it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes.

"Unfortunately, at this time of year, many kangaroos are active on our roads and visibility can be poorer due to weather conditions," explained Mr Cory.

"They are often looking for food at sunrise and sunset and it is during this time that an increased number of collisions with vehicles occur."

"Dogs are the second most likely animal to be hit and we also regularly see insurance claims for collisions with cattle, cats and emus."

Mr Cory said how drivers reacted after seeing a kangaroo could potentially save lives.

"If we see a kangaroo on or near the road, we should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision," he said. "If we hit the animal and if it's safe to do so, the driver should also try to help it and move it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes."

South West towns dominated the animal collision count with Collie recording the highest number of collisions, followed by Busselton, Bunbury and the Margaret River-Augusta region.

*Based on SGIO motor and comprehensive car insurance claims data 2008

WA towns & suburbs No. of animal collisions
Collie - 38
Busselton - 28
Bunbury - 28
Margaret River-Augusta - 26
Esperance - 25
Carnarvon - 23
Exmouth - 22
Manjimup - 21
Kalgoorlie - 21
Albany - 20

Animal No. of animal collisions in WA
Kangaroo - 1,350
Dog - 136
Cattle - 56
Cat - 47
Emu - 34
Bird - 21
Sheep - 15
Horse - 15
Fox - 5
Rabbit - 3

About SGIO
SGIO provides car insurance, motorcycle insurance, home insurance and more for Western Australia.

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