Crashes involving animals spike in winter. Here’s how to avoid them

If you’ve driven on regional Australian roads, you’ve likely seen the signs warning of kangaroos and other animals – the familiar “wildlife ahead” signs.

They are supposed to warn drivers of the dangers of wildlife on our roads, but collisions with animals are rising in Australia.

So how widespread is the problem? How can you reduce the risk? And what should you do if you do hit one?

A growing concern

Recent insurance data suggest the risk is higher than many people realise.

Tens of thousands of collisions with animals are recorded each year across Australia and the number appears to be rising.

According to NRMA Insurance claims data, there was a 21% rise in animal collision claims from 2024-2025.

The risk is not evenly spread. It varies by time of day, season and location, meaning there are periods when drivers are significantly more exposed.

Understanding when and where that risk is highest is the best way to avoid animals while driving.

How common are crashes with animals?

Insurance data provides the clearest indication of the scale of animal-vehicle crashes:

When and where is the risk highest?

There are distinct risk patterns when it comes to animal crashes and the strongest and most consistent pattern is time of day.

Crashes involving animals are heavily concentrated in low-light conditions (dawn and dusk), particularly from early evening through to midnight.

Analysis of serious crashes shows they are significantly over-represented between 6pm and 6am, with the highest risk typically in the evening (6pm–12am).

This pattern is closely linked to animal behaviour. Many large animals, including kangaroos, are most active at dusk and night, often moving to feed along roadside vegetation.

Reduced visibility also means drivers detect animals later, leaving less time to react.

Seasonal patterns also exist, though are less pronounced. Insurance data shows collisions increase through the cooler months, with a clear peak in mid-winter (June–July).

This is largely due to shorter daylight hours, which extend the time drivers are exposed to high-risk, low-light conditions.

Location matters, as well. Insurance data shows collisions are concentrated on regional and rural roads, where higher speeds, limited lighting and greater exposure to wildlife increase risk.

Insurer data consistently identifies specific hotspots across the country.

In New South Wales, the highest number of claims were recorded in Dubbo, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga. In Victoria, collisions are concentrated around Sunbury and Melbourne’s northern fringes, including rapidly growing outer suburban areas.

Some road users are more vulnerable and exposed than others. Motorcyclists are consistently over-represented in serious animal crashes and are more likely to suffer severe injury, a pattern observed internationally.

To swerve or brake?

There’s no silver bullet solution to animal-vehicle crash risk. It comes down to understanding the conditions that increase exposure, and how drivers respond in the moment.

Not all widely used measures work. Wildlife warning signs are common but evidence suggests they have limited impact: drivers become accustomed to them and often ignore them.

The safest response is not always clear.

Drivers confronted by an animal may brake or attempt to swerve, and the evidence on these decisions is more nuanced than some road safety messaging suggests.

Among crashes that led to hospitalisation, direct impacts were associated with higher injury severity (than swerving), while swerving was linked to a greater likelihood of rollover.

In other words, swerving does not necessarily eliminate the risk; it can change it from an animal impact to a loss-of-control crash, such as a rollover or collision with another object.

But not swerving does not guanrantee lowering the severity of occupant injuries.

The best advice is to reduce speed early which allows the driver to maintain control, particularly at dusk, dawn, night and in known wildlife zones. Lower speeds give drivers more time to brake safely and reduce the severity of both direct impacts and evasive manoeuvres.

What should you do if you hit an animal?

Dead or injured animals on the road can lead some drivers to stop, get out of the car, or try to move an animal. This can expose them to passing traffic and can prove fatal.

In many cases, the safest option is to call a wildlife rescue service and report the location, rather than intervening directly.

Play it safe

Animal crashes are inherently unpredictable. The most effective approach is to understand the patterns and risk factors and respond proportionately.

Reduce exposure to high-risk times where possible, and if not, remain vigilant in those conditions.

There is no single fix. The risk and outcome depends on when you drive, where you drive, and how you react in the moment.