General News
29 October, 2024
Kangaroo collisions spike in Wimmera, costing locals thousands in repairs
Wimmera drivers face costly repairs as kangaroo collisions jump.
A surge in kangaroo-related road accidents is costing Wimmera residents thousands in repair bills, with 2024 marking an unprecedented year for such incidents.
In the 12-month period from November 2023 to October 2024, RACV Insurance recorded an 11 per cent increase in incidents involving a collision with a kangaroo in Victoria.
A RACV spokesperson said there was 5615 incidents in the past year, up from 5056 incidents 12 months prior.
One crash repairer noted a dramatic increase in severe damage from kangaroo collisions, while one business owner estimated significant cumulative costs for local drivers.
The trend underscores the impact of dwindling food sources, which has led hungry kangaroos closer to roads, posing an increased hazard for motorists.
Lindy Hutchinson, McAlpine Crash Repairs' manager, said she has never seen a year as bad as 2024.
"It's phenomenal; I've never seen anything like it," she said.
"It feels like every second person coming in has hit a kangaroo, and the types of damage are getting worse.
"It used to be grills and headlights, but now we see collapsed bull bars and smashed windscreens. It's unexplainable."
Mrs Hutchinson said discussions with customers have highlighted the widespread effect of hungry mobs looking for food.
"A lot of people are saving they've hit kangaroos in places where they've never seen roos before," she said.
"You'd rarely see a mob between Horsham and Warracknabeal, but one customer said he looked across a paddock and it looked like people are farming them. That's how big these mobs are now."
Mrs Hutchinson said while fully insured drivers can make an insurance claim to repair the damage, others are not as fortunate.
"Unfortunately, some drivers have just third party insurance, so if they hit a kangaroo, their car is written off," she said.
"Insurance companies are great, but some of these newer cars are expensive to repair; a headlight alone can cost up to $7000."
Natimuk Pub owner Bill Lovell said he recently counted more than 40 dead kangaroos on a trip to Hamilton.
"I counted 43 dead roos between Cavendish and Balmoral; I would think that's at least 43 cars or trucks affected on just that stretch of road," he said.
"If you estimate the average repair bill is $5000, it all adds up pretty quickly."
The publican said more patrons lament hitting a kangaroo of late.
"There's at least one or two people here that would say they've hit one (a kangaroo) recently," he said.
"We've hit two in the past 12 months; my wife hit one outside Great Western...
"My delivery driver hit one just off the Polkemmet turn off. Not only did it delay him, but our load of alcohol moved in the van."
How to avoid hitting wildlife and what to do if you do
As the warmer weather settles in for summer, kangaroos will travel further to seek fodder and water.
A RACV spokesperson said the best way to avoid an accident drive at a safe speed that reduces your chance of hitting an animal.
If you do spot an animal on the road while driving, slow down and prepare to brake safely. Avoid swerving as this could cause danger to yourself and other road users.
Avoid driving at dusk and dawn. This is when many native species are most active. If you do have to drive at this time, ensure you actively look ahead, reduce speed and use high beams in poor visibility; however, ensure you dim them if you see a car approaching.
If you do hit wildlife, safely park your vehicle off the road, turn on your hazards and check that you and your passengers are unharmed before checking on the animal. If anyone is injured, call 000.
Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 to report the incident. Their Emergency Response Service will provide free advice and assistance, 24/7.