17/03/10
As collisions with animals on Victorian roads continue to rise, RACV and Zoos Victoria's partnership has never been more important, through the Wildlife Connect 13 11 11 service.

Article by RACV's RoyalAuto Magazine

Extreme drought conditions have increased the danger to motorists of wildlife on roads, according to RACV Insurance data.

There were 3,839 claims for crashes involving animals in the 2008-09 financial year, a 13% increase on the previous year.

Many of these crashes were with animals, particularly kangaroos, which had been forced by the drought to search for food by the roadside or close to urban areas.

Kangaroos accounted for 2,766 of the claims, or 72%, which was 17% more than for the previous year.

This was followed by 330 collisions with dogs (9%), 215 with wombats (6%) and 84 with cats (2%).

RACV Insurance general manager Paul Northey says it's a problem which is moving closer to our major urban areas.

"From our members' claims, the major areas to look out for kangaroos are Heathcote, Bendigo, Seymour and Halls Gap but, as the city expands, also in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, such as South Morang, as they move closer to urban areas in search of food," Mr Northey says.

He says drivers need to look out for animals at all times but in country areas they are particularly active at dawn and dusk, "Animals can be unpredictable near roads, particularly when they are dazzled by headlights.

"Crashing into a medium to large kangaroo can cause not only serious vehicle damage, but also injure the driver and passengers."

RACV Insurance claims peak in the spring (1239), with the highest percentage in October (11.3%). Claims numbers are at their lowest in winter (809).

Vehicles damaged in animal collisions are also significantly costly to repair, with an average bill of more than $3000.

If you encounter injured wildlife on the road, you can get help by ringing RACV. Through our Wildlife Connect initiative, your call will be connected to the appropriate emergency wildlife rescue service.

Call the Emergency Roadside Assistance number, 13 11 11. The service operates 24 hours a day.

Wildlife Connect is a partnership initiative between RACV and Zoos Victoria, in collaboration with nonprofit volunteer wildlife groups.

Find out more about Wildlife Connect by clicking here.

Healesville Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre treats over 1,500 native animals in need of specialist veterinary care each year, with the vet team performing around 5,000 procedures annually.

You can help support the work of Healesville Sanctuary by making a donation. Click here for more information.