Baldivis named worst hotspot for animal collisions in WA

Friday, 26 May 2023 10:51

By Monique Welhan

Baldivis has been named the worst hotspot for animal collisions in Western Australia.

Analysis of over 17,000 national animal collision claims through AAMI in 2022 revealed the semi-rural suburb came in at top spot in WA for the most number of animal related crashes.

The AAMI research also revealed the most common day of the week for an animal collision in WA was on a Friday and the most common time was at midnight.

Animal collisions were twice as likely to happen on rural roads than suburban roads and three quarters of Australians believe kangaroos are the animals that would cause the most damage to a car.

The average cost of an animal collision insurance claim was reported to be between $5500 and $6400 and the most common animals that Aussie drivers collide with are kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dogs, deer and cows.

AAMI Head of Motor Claims Kahl Dwight said that being vigilant about various factors such as time of day, visibility and to expect the unexpected is the key to staying safe.

“We encourage drivers to always expect the unexpected and know ahead of time what they should do– which is slow down and brake but avoid swerving so as not to endanger yourself and other drivers. It’s far less dangerous to keep driving and damage your car than swerve to avoid it and collide with another vehicle or tree," Mr Dwight said.

“To avoid crashing with wildlife this winter, use your peripheral vision and be aware of your surroundings. Wildlife is unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere so it’s best to always be on the lookout."

If you have hit an animal while driving, stop to check its welfare, but only if it is safe to do so.

If the animal is alive and injured call your local wildlife rescue service.