NRMA Insurance has revealed the latest national animal collisions data and the top five worst suburbs and roads for incidents in each state.
Key findings:
- There were over 12,800 animal collision claims in Australia last year – a 34% increase compared to the previous year, and the highest number of claims since 2019.
- In 2023, NSW experienced a 38% spike in animal collisions compared to the previous year, while there was a 45% jump in the ACT.
- There was a 35% spike in animal collisions in Queensland last year. SA had its highest number of animal collisions claims since 2019, and WA’s worst time for an animal collision is April.
The latest NRMA Insurance data has revealed a 34% spike in claims due to animal collisions in 2023 compared to 2022.
The sharp increase to 12,880 claims marks the highest number of incidents since 2019, a four-year high in accidents on Australian roads.
NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Natalie Major said: “Wildlife accidents can be extremely dangerous and the four-year high in animal collision claims serves as a reminder for drivers to take caution, especially during the holiday period when people are travelling long distances on regional roads.
“Our claims data shows there is a heightened risk of a wildlife encounters during Autumn and Winter when the days are shorter and darker and nocturnal animals are more active.
“Our data also shows that kangaroos are the most likely to be involved in an incident, accounting for 85% of all animal collision claims. This is followed by wallabies, wombats, deer, foxes, cattle, and koalas.
NRMA Insurance claims data revealed that Dubbo, Goulburn and Canberra are the most high-risk areas for animal collisions in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
In Queensland, Goondiwindi, Jimboomba, and Roma, reported the most incidents. The worst areas in Western Australia were Collie, Margaret River, and Busselton. South Australia’s hot spots were Penola, Port Augusta and Mount Gambier.