You Are Here : Home / Services/ Public health and safety / Road safety / Wildlife and animals

Wildlife and animals

yellow road sign of a kangaroo warning on blue background

Animal collisions can pose a big risk when driving or riding on country roads, especially at dusk and dawn.

Wildlife, such as kangaroos, as well as livestock, can be fast and unpredictable. When they stray onto the road, it’s hard to know what they’ll do next. By slowing down and staying alert, you can help keep everyone safe.

FAQ's

If you see an animal on the road when driving, what should you do?

To avoid a crash with an animal on a country road, slow down, stay alert and follow animal warning signs
If you do see an animal on the road when driving, brake in a controlled manner to slow down and drive carefully past the animal. You may need to stop completely
Swerving or braking hard to avoid a collision can be dangerous.

True or false? Kangaroos and other wildlife are often found on or near country roads at dusk and dawn.

True. Kangaroos and other wildlife are more active at dusk and dawn and can also be harder to see at these times.

True or false? Livestock, kangaroos and other wildlife can often be found on or near country roads in times of drought or flood.

True. Livestock, kangaroos and other wildlife can often be found on or near country roads in times of drought or flood while looking for food, water or shelter.

How often do crashes involving animals happen?

Between 2013 and 2022* there were 1,384 casualty crashes with an animal on a country road which resulted in injury or death to the road user. (*preliminary data as at 22 May 2023)

One in every 41 crashes resulting in injury or death on country roads involve a vehicle hitting an animal.

Information provided by the NSW Government roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au