The number of car-and-animal collisions jumped by nearly 25% last year to 2,576, from 2,078 the year before, newly-released RAC claims data shows.
Glen Walker, RAC claims manager, said motorists need to be extra careful when driving on regional roads during the darker hours of the day.
“Our advice is to stay vigilant, reduce your speed when driving at dawn or dusk, and keep a look out for animal warning signs in the area,” Walker said. “If possible, avoid driving at night in regional areas. If you do need to drive at night, reduce your speed, make sure you use your high-beams and pay attention to reflecting eyes in the distance.”
Walker said motorists who chanced upon a road kill should “slow down and be extra cautious, as this can be a sign of other wildlife in the area.” To those driving in the suburbs, his advice was “to be aware of cats and dogs wandering on roads, driveways, and under cars.”
“How you react when you see an animal on the road is extremely important. If you do spot an animal near the road, slow down – but don’t swerve to avoid it, as this can endanger you and your passengers,” Walker said.
Based on RAC's more than 50,000 claims, collision with animals ranked six among the most common cases of crashes in 2017. It follows rear-end collisions, being hit while parked, single-vehicle collisions, being reversed into, and failure to give way.
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