23-05-2025
Aussie drivers warned about overlooked danger on country roads: 'Important'
Australians are being urged to take extra care on country roads, with alarming figures revealing that in just one state, 1,344 animal-related crashes over the past decade had claimed 27 lives and injured more than 1,500 people.
The sobering figures were released by Transport for NSW as it launched its annual "Animals on Country Roads" public education initiative, which will run from May 19 to June 30. The campaign serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife and livestock on rural roads, especially during high-risk times like sunrise and sunset.
Speaking to Yahoo News, Deputy Secretary of Safety Policy at Transport for NSW (TfNSW), Sally Web, said driving on country roads often involves livestock and wildlife that can be unpredictable and move quickly.
"It's important to always take care, follow the road signs and expect the unexpected when driving around animals to ensure we protect both human lives and our wildlife," she said.
Webb said "one in every 41 crashes on country roads involves a vehicle hitting an animal", underscoring the need for increased vigilance from motorists and riders.
Between 2014 and 2023, southern NSW recorded the highest number of animal-related crashes that resulted in fatalities or injuries. There were 505 such crashes in the region, with four people killed and 135 seriously injured. Northern NSW followed closely behind with 500 crashes, nine fatalities, and 197 people seriously injured.
"Animals can be more active at sunrise and sunset, when visibility is reduced. Stay alert when driving on country roads and if you see an animal when driving or riding, don't panic, apply your brakes carefully and in a controlled manner and don't swerve to avoid an animal," Webb said.
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While there are currently no plans to increase penalties for speeding in wildlife-prone areas, TfNSW said it is investing in smarter ways to reduce crashes.
Last year, TfNSW hosted a major international symposium in Sydney, bringing together global experts to explore innovative ways to reduce wildlife road strikes. Insights from the event informed a new Future Directions report, developed to guide the state's investment in emerging road safety technologies.
Among the first technologies being trialled are lighter coloured paving—designed to improve nighttime visibility and help drivers spot animals sooner—and AI-assisted animal detection systems linked to smart signage. These advanced systems aim to deliver real-time alerts, giving motorists time to slow down and potentially avoid dangerous collisions.
These emerging solutions will be used alongside existing wildlife mitigation infrastructure already in place across parts of the state. That includes fenced road corridors with one-way escape routes, wildlife overpasses and underpasses, glide poles and rope crossings for tree-dwelling animals, and enhanced advisory signage and road markings.
"Drivers are reminded to comply with speed limits and be mindful of warning signs and other wildlife safety measures across the network," Webb added. "Every death on our roads is one too many, which is why we are committed to our goal of reducing road trauma to zero in NSW. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we can all start by making safer decisions every time we get behind the wheel."
To help reduce the risk of collisions, motorists are urged to:
Reduce speed and stay on the lookout for wildlife near the roadside
Stay alert, as animals can be fast and unpredictable
Brake safely, avoiding abrupt movements
Avoid swerving, which can cause loss of control
Follow animal warning signs and stay prepared to stop
Report injured wildlife to WIRES at 1300 094 737 or use the IFAW Wildlife Rescue app.
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