Wallan has been identified as one of Victoria’s top spots to be involved in an animal collision, with the town ranking third on the latest data table released by AAMI.
According to new data released by the insurance company, animal collisions have increased by 22 per cent nation-wide since this time last year, with incidents involving kangaroos high on the list.
With alarming statistics showing that more than 40 per cent of Australian drivers don’t pay attention to wildlife warning signs, and that 60 per cent of drivers swerve or break heavily to avoid colliding with animals, AAMI is urging drivers to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings.
AAMI Motor Claims Manager Leah James stated that the statistics showcased the lack of understanding many drivers had when it comes to wildlife activity.
“Our claims data consistently tells us dawn and dusk are the most dangerous times for animal collisions. During winter, days are shorter and many of us are on the road when there’s low light in the early mornings and late afternoons. This coincides with when nocturnal mammals are most active, so drivers need to be more vigilant, and on the lookout for wildlife,” she said.
The increase in incidents serves as a reminder that the breaking distance of a car is often far longer than most drivers would expect, and that slowing down is the only way to minimise impact.
Breaking at 100km/h on a dry road results in a stopping distance of 98m. On a wet road, the stopping distance is increased to 122m. At 80km/h, the stopping distance is reduced to 69m for a dry road, and 85m for a wet road.
With many locals also noticing an increase in tailgating as they slow down in the cooler months, tailgaters are reminded that should the car in front require to brake heavily, their reaction time to brake is almost non-existent, resulting in a back-end collision.
Adding insult to injury, as tailgating is considered a traffic offense, tailgaters are unlikely to win claims on insurance.
Ms James urged drivers to consider the risk of an animal collision and remain vigilant.
“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.
