Motorists are being reminded to brake and hold their line of travel instead of swerve if they encounter an animal on a country road.
The instruction comes as city dwellers in particular take to the regions over the summer holidays, and motorists are reminded to watch for wildlife and livestock straying onto country roads.
NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison said city motorists could encounter unfamiliar hazards while driving in the countryside.
"Wildlife and livestock might be an uncommon occurrence on busy city roads but can be familiar sight on roads, particularly at dawn and dusk when many animals are at their most active," she said.
"It's simply a matter of being aware there could be animals around and remaining vigilant when driving on rural and regional roads, and knowing what to do if you come across a kangaroo, echidna or even an emu in your path."
If you see an animal on the road, brake and hold your line of travel - don't swerve.
"It's safer to strike an animal than to swerve and risk losing control of the vehicle - twice as many people are killed and injured in crashes resulting from swerving," Ms Aichison said.
Between 2017 and 2021 there were 557 reported collisions with animals on western region roads that resulted in 165 serious injuries and six deaths.
Kangaroos and wallabies pose the most common risk to drivers, while wild horses and livestock are also regularly seen on the road.
Ms Aichison said regional drivers had reported higher numbers of animals on western roads, which could be attributed to drier conditions forcing animals to look harder for food and water.
"When animals do stray onto the road they will often move very quickly and their behaviour can be quite unpredictable, so it is important to give them plenty of room."
And when you're driving on country roads, always take note of warning signs alerting you to the presence of animals in the area. If you see these signs, slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop if required."
Top tips:
- Reduce your speed: Slow down and be on the lookout for wildlife on or near the road.
- Stay alert: Animals can be more active near waterholes and creeks and harder to see at sunrise and sunset.
- Brake safely: Apply your brakes in a careful, controlled manner.
- Don't swerve: You may lose control of your vehicle if you swerve too harshly.
- Follow the signs: Take note of warning signs alerting you to the presence of animals in the area.
- Report injured wildlife: Call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or use the IFAW Wildlife rescue app to find a suitable wildlife rescue organisation for your location.
For more information, visit the Animals On Country Roads webpage.
