New NRMA Insurance research shows kangaroos are collision risk for drivers

Animals, particularly kangaroos, are the cause of around 23 NSW collisions a day, according to NRMA Insurance claims data.

Sydney, New South Wales (PRWEB) August 11, 2009 -- Animals, particularly kangaroos, are the cause of around 23 NSW collisions a day, according to Car Insurance claims* data from NRMA Insurance.

Last year the insurer received claims for more than 8,000 animal related collisions in NSW with around three quarters caused by kangaroos.

Unfortunately, at this time of year, many kangaroos are active on our roads

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

Dogs are the second most likely animal to be hit and we also regularly see insurance claims from wombats, cattle and cats.

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

If you hit the animal and safety permits, the driver should also try to help it and move it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes.

Or if the animal is still alive, keep it warm, and in a quiet place away from young children, pets and noises. Don't force the animal to eat or drink and contact a local veterinarian or a wildlife rescue centre such as WIRES.

"Unfortunately, at this time of year, many kangaroos are active on our roads," explained Mr McDonald.

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

Mr McDonald said that although most animal collisions occur on country roads, Sydney drivers should also be mindful when dogs and cats are near cars.

"Dogs are the second most likely animal to be hit and we also regularly see insurance claims from wombats, cattle and cats."

Mr McDonald said how drivers react after seeing a kangaroo can potentially save lives.

"If you see a kangaroo on or near the road, you should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision," he said.

"If you hit the animal and safety permits, the driver should also try to help it and move it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes."

"Or if the animal is still alive, keep it warm, and in a quiet place away from young children, pets and noises. Don't force the animal to eat or drink and contact a local veterinarian or a wildlife rescue centre such as WIRES."

*Based on NRMA Comprehensive Car Insurance claims data 2008

NSW towns & suburbs and number of animal collisions:
Dubbo - 123
Broken Hill - 105
Singleton - 86
Queanbeyan - 83
Bathurst - 80
Goulburn - 78
Cooma - 77
Mudgee - 76
Bungendore - 75
Orange - 72

Animal & number of collisions:
Kangaroo - 6371
Dog - 669
Wombat - 264
Cattle - 235
Cat - 169

About NRMA Insurance
NRMA Insurance is a provider of car insurance, home insurance, motorcycle insurance and more for NSW, ACT and TAS.

Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as NRMA Insurance.

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