Kangaroo strike on the road in Australia are most common during certain times of the year, primarily influenced by kangaroo behavior and environmental conditions, working out in the bush we ensure our crews are prioritising safety in what can be unexpected incidents. Below is a general outline of best practice and what should be done if you are involved in, or witness, a kangaroo strike.
Ensure safety first, if you are driving and hit a kangaroo the first and most important measure is to ensure that you and your passengers are safe. If you experience an incident, you should pull over to the side of the road and check for injuries. Assess the situation if the kangaroo is alive but injured, it may be in pain and could pose a risk to other drivers. Approach with caution and try to move it to a safer location if it’s possible and safe to do so.
Contact Authorities:
– Police: If there is significant damage to your vehicle, injuries to people, or if the kangaroo is on a busy road and poses a further hazard, contact the local police. They can assist with traffic management and coordinate with wildlife rescue services if needed.
– Wildlife Rescue: For injured kangaroos, contact a local wildlife rescue organisation or wildlife carer. In Victoria, groups like Wildlife Victoria or the RSPCA can help. They can arrange for a wildlife rescuer to attend the scene.
Report and document the incident, it is a good practice to report the incident to local wildlife services or road authorities. This helps them keep track of wildlife accidents and potentially address problem areas. If possible, take photos of the scene, the damage to your vehicle, and the kangaroo (if it’s safe to do so). This can be useful for insurance claims and reports. Additionally, notify your insurance company about the incident. They may require you to provide details and documentation.
Check for injuries and check your vehicle. Seek medical attention if you or your passengers are injured. Kangaroo strikes can cause significant damage and injuries. Have your vehicle inspected for damage, particularly if you have hit a large kangaroo. There might be hidden damage that needs to be addressed. Victoria’s rural areas are particularly prone to wildlife encounters, so driving cautiously and being aware of wildlife crossing signs can help minimize the risk of such incidents.
These incidents are more likely to occur during breeding season (spring and early summer), which typically runs from September to December. During this time, kangaroos are more active, and males can be more aggressive. Females with joeys are also more likely to cross roads in search for food.
Winter can be another peak period for kangaroo strikes, especially in rural areas. Kangaroos are more likely to move around in search of food due to colder temperatures and scarce resources. Additionally, lower visibility due to fog and shorter daylight hours can increase the risk of collisions.
Be extra cautious at dusk and dawn, kangaroos are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. As a result, strikes are more likely during these times when visibility is lower, and kangaroos are crossing roads more frequently.
Wet seasons and rainy periods can lead to increased vegetation growth, which attracts kangaroos closer to roadways. Wet conditions can also lead to poor visibility and slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
Overall, being vigilant during these peak periods and adjusting driving habits accordingly—such as reducing speed, especially at dusk and dawn, and being extra cautious in areas known for kangaroo activity—can help reduce the risk of kangaroo strikes.