Collie ranked second in State for animal collisions with roadkill rate jumping 22 per cent nationwide

The rate of animals struck, slammed and squished by vehicles has risen across the country by 22 per cent, with Collie ranked as the second biggest hotspot in the State.

Data from insurance company AAMI has identified animal collision hotspots across the country after more than 21,000 animal collision claims lodged in 2023.

The data revealed Baldivis topped the State’s list for the second year in a row, followed by Collie, Carnarvon, Toodyay and Albany.

Overall New South Wales had the highest rate of collisions, with Dubbo the leading animal collision hotspot in the country.

The data also stated more than 40 per cent of drivers were unaware of any wildlife warning signs when driving and more than half of all drivers would dangerously swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid a collision.

AAMI motor claims manager Leah James said the research was concerning heading into winter when collisions were more likely to occur and urged drivers to pay attention to wildlife warning signs.

“Paying attention to wildlife signs may not prevent an animal collision from happening, but it will help you start preparing so you’re less likely to swerve in shock,” she said.

“Swerving can mean losing control of your car, and increase the chances of colliding with a tree, pole or another vehicle, injuring yourself, passengers and potentially other drivers.

“To avoid a collision with wildlife, slow down when you see warning signs, scan the road ahead, and use your peripheral vision to keep an eye on the edges for wildlife feeding, or about to cross,” she said.

Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service program manager Kristie Newton said as animal habitats continued to shrink and native animals were displaced from their natural habitat into more urban areas, these collisions were likely to become more frequent.

“Last year WIRES received more than 180,000 calls to our rescue line and assisted more than 130,000 native animals,” she said.

“A large portion of the wildlife in our care have come to us due to a vehicle collision, either being struck themselves or left orphaned after their mother was killed.”

With the increase in collisions it is important to remember many native animals can have pouch young, which often survive vehicle collisions inside their mother’s pouch.

Preforming pouch checks on freshly deceased animals can save the lives of joeys who would otherwise perish.