One way to reduce the risk of collisions with animals is to slow down in wildlife signposted areas. Photo: NRMA Insurance.
You might associate the start of April with Easter, chocolate and school holidays … but for NRMA Insurance, it marks the season when it sees an uptick in the number of claims involving animal collisions.
Combine that with the upcoming Easter long weekend and school holidays, and the insurer has urged drivers to take extra care on regional and rural roads.
NRMA Insurance claims executive manager Nick Kirkovski said the combination of seasonal conditions and a surge in holiday traffic created a heightened danger.
“Animal encounters on Australian roads increase through autumn and winter as the days become shorter, and wildlife activity peaks at dusk, dawn and night,” he said.
“Wildlife can appear on the road with little warning, which is why it’s so important for drivers to stay alert, particularly when travelling long distances in regional areas these school holidays.”
Examining the claim data reveals key animal collision hotspots.
The risk of collisions with animals increases between April and September, with July recording the highest number of claims nationally in 2025.
The Capital Region accounts for a quarter of all wildlife collisions in the state.
Goulburn, Yass, Bungendore and Bywong are among the top five most-at-risk areas (with Dubbo rounding out the list).
“The Federal Highway near Lake George, which winds through a number of these areas, is the single most at-risk road in the state for animal collisions; something to consider if it’s on your route,” an NRMA Insurance statement read.
The Kings Highway at Bungendore and Old Cooma Road at Googong come in second and third, respectively, for the worst animal-collision roads in NSW.
If you’re driving through Canberra to get to the coast (or vice versa), William Hovell Drive at Belconnen, Monaro Highway at Hume and Barton Highway at Hall are the ACT’s worst roads for wildlife collisions.
Those heading south into Victoria are also warned that Wodonga has the highest animal collision rate in the state (by suburb), based on data from interstate visitors.
Are any of these animal collision hotspots on your road trip list for the Easter long weekend or the school holidays? Photo: NRMA Insurance.
Kangaroos were by far the most common animal people crashed into, making up 84.5 per cent of related claims in 2025.
“Naturally drawn to roadsides where vegetation offers shelter and food, kangaroos are most active between dusk and dawn when visibility is low,” an NRMA Insurance statement read.
“They’re also unpredictable; easily startled by passing vehicles, prompting them to jump into your path. In winter, wet and icy roads create another layer of risk by making it harder for drivers to safely brake in time.”
Wallabies were the next most common animal involved in collisions (3.4 per cent of claims), followed by wombats (2.6 per cent), deer (2 per cent), cows (1.1 per cent) and emus (0.5 per cent).
Birds, foxes, horses and sheep also made the list.
Mr Kirkovski said driver behaviour played a critical role in preventing serious accidents with wildlife.
“If you encounter an animal while driving, it’s important to slow down safely and avoid swerving, as sudden movements can increase the risk of a more serious crash,” he said.
Other tips to reduce the risk of animal-related collisions include:
- Avoid driving at dawn, dusk or during the night
- Have a good night’s sleep before a long drive, and schedule regular breaks (ideally for 15 minutes every two hours)
- Reduce your speed in signposted wildlife areas
- If you see an animal on or near the road, try to slowly brake and avoid swerving
- If you hit an animal and it is safe to do so, check its welfare and contact your local wildlife rescue service.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Region Canberra.
