By Jeremy Cook
Motorists collide with animals in Warwick more frequently than any other area in Queensland, according to recently released RACQ claims data.
The insurer reported receiving approximately 4,255 motor claims from animal collisions across the state in the 12 months to March 2024.
Topping the list of postcodes where collisions with animals were most frequent was Warwick’s 4370 as well as nearby Darling Downs postcodes 4455 and 4405 which encompass Roma and Dalby.
In total, RACQ received a combined 469 insurance claims from the Darling Downs region in the year before March, up 36.3 per cent from 344 in the year prior.
Sam Price from Warwick panelbeaters Mirror Finish Smash Repairs reported their shop was having to fix cars damaged in animal collisions every week.
“It’s a really big issue,” Ms Price said.
Ms Price said it was kangaroos which were typically the animal most frequently hit.
“Usually they come into that front left passengers side of the vehicle as it’s passing,” she said.
That fact was reflected in RACQ’s data, the company’s insurance chief executive Trent Sayers said.
“Unfortunately, it seems that kangaroos are the most common animal collided with on the road,” Mr Sayers said.
The data also showed all Queensland regions had experienced some sort of increase in animal collisions over the past year with claims rising by 25 per cent statewide.
Mr Sayers labelled that statistic concerning and advised motorists to drive with caution when surrounded by wildlife.
“Ideally, you should avoid driving at dawn and dusk when wild animals are most active and sun glare or darkness can reduce visibility.
“If driving at these times is unavoidable, use high beams where appropriate, drive to the conditions, don’t speed and stay alert for any wildlife in your peripheral vision that might move onto the road.
“You shouldn’t swerve to avoid hitting an animal as it can put you at greater risk of causing a collision with another vehicle or roadside obstacle.”
Mr Sayers said motorists who have hit an animal should pull over to inspect their vehicle and check on the animal’s welfare, if safe to do so.
“Call for help if your car is damaged. If the animal is alive and injured you can call your local wildlife rescue service,” he said.
The RACQ data reflected similar trends reported by NRMA in March which found a 34 per cent spike in claims due to animal collisions Australia-wide.
In Queensland, injured or dead wildlife can be reported to the RSPCA or the Department of Environment.
Police will only typically get involved if a collision results in an injury, serious property damage or a traffic obstruction.
Warwick Police Sergeant Jo Goodwin said motorists should make sure they report damage through their insurance company if they are involved in such an incident.
Sergeant Goodwin said drivers should also “make sure [their] car’s safe to keep driving”.
“If it’s not, call a tow truck because obviously defective vehicles driving around wouldn’t be a good thing,” she said.
