As Australians, we’re blessed with a rich tapestry of wildlife that adds to the unique character of our sunburnt country.
However, this blessing can quickly become a curse for drivers unaware of the subtle dangers lurking on the edges of our roads.
We need to watch out for more than just obvious hazards like sharp bends or slick surfaces; sometimes, the most innocuous details can pose the most significant risks.
One such detail that often goes unnoticed is the presence of tiny dirt tracks on the side of the road.
Motorists easily miss these seemingly insignificant paths, yet they are the paths through which our native animals—kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and more—frequently travel.
Recognising these animal pathways is not just a matter of environmental consciousness; it’s crucial in reducing the likelihood of a costly, potentially deadly collision.
Wildlife rescuer and Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter founder Kate Turner, who has seen the aftermath of these accidents firsthand, estimates that a staggering 80 per cent of vehicle strikes involving native animals occur within 100 metres of established road crossings.
These animals follow the same routes repeatedly, creating well-worn paths that, if noticed, can alert drivers to their potential crossing points.
‘It’s incredibly frustrating’, Kate shared, recounting the sorrowful task of removing not just one but multiple victims of road strikes from the same location. ‘Even birds tend to get hit in the same spots.’
The issue is so prevalent that it has led to a rise in costly insurance claims for Australians who have had the misfortune of hitting a kangaroo. In some cases, the damage inflicted by these powerful creatures can be severe enough to write off a vehicle entirely.
While local councils have attempted to mitigate the problem by erecting wildlife warning signs near known crossings, Kate believes that this solution falls short.
She has witnessed the grim reality of animals being struck directly beneath these signs, indicating that more needs to be done to raise driver awareness.
‘Maybe flashing signs with words saying ‘slow down’ might work, but people just do what they want without regard,’ she lamented.
Kate’s advice to drivers is simple yet vital: learn to spot these animal paths, which can resemble bike or horse tracks, and adjust your driving accordingly.
Slowing down near these areas and treating them with the same caution as a pedestrian crossing can make all the difference. While it may be challenging to identify every path on long journeys, becoming familiar with the ones in your local area is a manageable and essential task.
The consequences of not heeding this advice can be heartbreaking. Kate revealed that in just one month, she had to euthanise at least eight animals due to injuries from vehicle accidents and had taken three more into care.
Among the casualties was a wombat joey, found alive in its deceased mother, who had been killed by a car.
As we navigate our roads, let’s remember that we share this land with diverse creatures.
By paying attention to the subtle signs of their presence, we can protect our wildlife, ourselves, and our fellow motorists.
So next time you’re behind the wheel, keep an eye out for those easy-to-miss tracks on the roadside. It’s a small effort that could save human and animal lives.
We’d love to hear from you, our readers. Have you had any close encounters with wildlife on the road? What measures could be taken to improve safety for both drivers and animals? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone.
Also read: Public warning after kangaroo attacks man outside central Queensland home
