Kangaroos and wildlife

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognise times and places where wildlife is likely.
• You can adjust your speed and lights to see animals earlier.
• You can brake firmly in a straight line rather than swerve.
• You can respond safely after hitting an animal.

What you need to know and understand

• Kangaroos and wallabies are most active around dawn and dusk and at night.
• Yellow animal warning signs show areas where animals often cross.
• Kangaroos often travel in groups; if one crosses, others may follow.
• Swerving to avoid an animal can cause a rollover or head-on crash; braking firmly in a straight line is usually safer.
• High beam helps you spot eye-shine early on dark country roads, but you must dip it within 200 metres of other vehicles.
• Livestock may be on unfenced country and outback roads; stock warning signs show where farm animals may be on or near the road.

When and where to expect animals

Large animals such as kangaroos, emus and cattle can do serious damage to a car and its occupants, and smaller animals like wombats are low and hard to see. Treat every wildlife warning sign as a reason to slow down and widen your scanning, especially in the first and last hours of daylight when the light is poor and animals are on the move.

• Dawn, dusk and night, particularly in rural and bushland areas.
• Near water, crops and grassy roadsides after rain.
• Wombats at night in parts of southern Australia, including Tasmania.
• Unfenced stations in outback areas, where cattle and sheep may wander onto the road.

If an animal is on the road

1. Scan ahead and to the sides, looking for movement and eye-shine.
2. Slow down early and cover the brake.
3. If one jumps in front of you, brake firmly in a straight line.
4. Keep both hands on the wheel and avoid swerving sharply.
5. Once past, watch for other animals following.

After a collision

Pull over safely, switch on hazard lights and check that everyone is okay. Do not put yourself in danger on a busy road. Injured animals can be dangerous, so do not handle them; call a local wildlife rescue group or the police. If anyone is hurt, call 000.

Common mistakes

• Driving at full speed at dusk in kangaroo country.
• Swerving off the road to avoid a small animal.
• Assuming the road is clear after one kangaroo has crossed.
• Relying on gadgets like whistles instead of slowing down.

Test yourself: Kangaroos and wildlife

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Kangaroos on Australian Roads