ANIMAL collisions have increased by 22 per cent year-on-year according to new claims data from a national insurer.

New alarming research from AAMI found more than 40 per cent of Aussie drivers don’t pay attention to wildlife warning signs, and most drivers (60 per cent) would dangerously swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid colliding with an animal, putting themselves and other drivers at risk.

The research also found more than half (54 per cent) of drivers have been involved in an animal collision, with the majority of these occurring on rural and regional roads, with one in 10 drivers who said they don’t know what they would do if they crashed into an animal.

Analysis of more than 21,000 AAMI animal collision claims across the country in 2023 Victoria was the second-most dangerous state for wildlife collisions (29 per cent), only just behind New South Wales (30 per cent).

In the previous two years, Victoria was the most dangerous, followed by NSW and QLD.

In Australia, the cooler months are the worst time of year for animal collisions, with more than a quarter (28 per cent) of road accidents involving wildlife taking place between June to August, and almost 60 per cent (58 per cent) of all animal collisions occur between May and October.

Saturday is the worst day of the week for wildlife related road accidents – with almost one third (31 per cent) of incidents taking place over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), and dusk is the most dangerous time for animal collisions, with a quarter of accidents occurring from 4.30 - 8pm.

Animal collisions can be costly, with the average cost of an insurance claim greater than $5000.

In around 16 per cent of claims involving an animal in the last year alone, the damage to the vehicle was so severe, the car was written off.

When asked how they would respond if an animal appeared on the road, only 28 per cent of respondents said they would keep driving, even if it meant hitting the animal and damaging their car.

Most Australians don’t know when animals are most active, the majority (80 per cent) incorrectly believed the worst seasons are summer and spring, with one in five (19 per cent) who also incorrectly believed it’s late at night when dark.

Nine per cent of drivers said if they hit an animal, they would keep driving and not check on the animal’s welfare.

AAMI Motor claims manager, Leah James, said almost half of Australian drivers ignore wildlife warning signs.

“(It’s) a concerning statistic as we head into winter when this is more likely to occur,” she said.

“These signs are in place for a reason - to keep road users and wildlife safe.

“Paying attention to wildlife signs may not prevent an animal collision from happening, but it will help you start preparing so you’re less likely to swerve in shock.

“What people might not know is that it can be more dangerous to swerve to avoid hitting an animal than to keep driving,” she said.

“Swerving can mean losing control of your car, and increase the chances of colliding with a tree, pole or another vehicle, injuring yourself, passengers and potentially other drivers.

“To avoid a collision with wildlife, slow down when you see warning signs, scan the road ahead, and use your peripheral vision to keep an eye on the edges for wildlife feeding, or about to cross.”

WIRES program manager, Kristie Newton said as habitat loss and extreme weather continues across Australia, native animals are being displaced from their natural homes and forced into urban areas in search of food and shelter.

“Sadly, because of the increase of habitat loss and extreme weather, our wildlife are becoming more vulnerable to traffic, and collisions with vehicles are on the rise,” she said.

“It is important for drivers to be prepared when travelling, especially in regional and rural areas or in areas of large-scale development.

“Last year WIRES received more than 180,000 calls to our rescue line and assisted more than 130,000 native animals. A large portion of the wildlife in our care have come to us due to a vehicle collision, either being struck themselves or left orphaned after their mother was killed.

“It is important for drivers to be prepared when travelling, especially in regional and rural areas or in areas of large-scale development.”

By taking note of wildlife signs, understanding high risk times and being extra vigilant, packing a rescue kit and stopping safely to pouch check, you can protect both yourself and native animals.