Figures on animal collisions reveal surge in accidents on Victorian roads, with April, May, June most critical months for hazards
April 30, 2013
New animal collision figures reveal a surge in accidents on Victorian roads, with April, May and June the most critical months for hazards posed by animals.
There were 3,827 claims made by RACV members between July 2011 and June 2012, which is up by 21 percent on the previous financial year, according to RACV insurance claims data.
Dusk and dawn are the most likely times for animals to be struck on roads, with claims costing an average of $3,300 to repair, RACV Insurance General Manager Paul Northey says.
“Last financial year, RACV received 2,713 claims after vehicles collided with kangaroos, which is a large increase on the 2,110 claims lodged the previous year,” Northey says.
He is urging drivers to take care on regional roads, saying high risk times are between 5am-8am and 6pm-9pm.
“Motorists should keep an active eye out for animals and slow down when travelling around bends and rises, as these can obscure animals that may have wandered onto the road,” Northey says.
“You should also be cautious if there are warning signs advising of wildlife in the area, in areas where new developments may have displaced wildlife, or if you see dead animals on the side of the road.”
