Community & Business
31 May, 2023
Mareeba a hotspot for animal collisions
MAREEBA has been named as a hotspot for collisions with animals, with a national insurer releasing data showing the town is fifth in the State for wildlife related accidents.
AAMI says latest research reveals that around half of Aussies have collided with a “roo” or other wildlife while driving, yet the vast majority (61 per cent) admit they would dangerously swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid hitting an animal.
The research also showed that one in seven drivers admit they have no clue what they would do if they were involved in an impact collision with wildlife, or would panic and freeze while behind the wheel if they saw an animal on the road.
Not surprisingly, collisions with animals are twice as likely to happen on rural roads (31 per cent) than suburban roads (15 per cent).
Dusk is the most dangerous time for wildlife related road accidents, with more than a quarter (26 per cent) of accidents taking place between the hours of 4.30pm and 8pm, while Saturday was the worst day of the week for animal collisions with almost one third of accidents taking place over the weekend.
The most common animals Aussie drivers collide with are kangaroos and wallabies, wombats, dogs, deer and cows.
The top five hot spots for animal collisions in Queensland are St George, Townsville, Roma, Warwick and Mareeba.
AAMI head of motor claims Kahl Dwight says road accidents involving wildlife can be costly, with the average cost of an insurance claim between $5,500 and $6,400.
“Be extra vigilant particularly around dawn and dusk as this is when nocturnal animals are more active,” he said.
“Visibility also becomes poorer which makes it harder to see wildlife and reduces the time a driver has to react, increasing the risk of a collision.
