Look out - Reminding motorists to take care around animals on country roads

07 May 2025

Our ‘Animals on country roads’ campaign is back in market this month to remind motorists to slow down and look out for wildlife when driving or riding on country roads.

Native wildlife on the road, especially kangaroos, wallabies, wild horses and livestock can pose a risk to motorists. 1 in every 41 crashes resulting in injury or death on country roads involve a vehicle hitting an animal.

Between 2014 and 2023 27 people were killed and 465 were seriously injured because of crashes with an animal on a country road.

The campaign runs from Monday 19 May – Monday 30 June 2025 and features:

• geographically targeted videos sponsored through the NSW Road Safety Facebook page
• digital display advertising
• radio live reads on regional and Indigenous stations
• a media announcement
• variable message signage (VMS)
• resources to use and share, including videos, posters and web/social tiles.

If you’re a Hub member download a copy of the communications toolkit below (log in to view links).

If you’re not a Hub member and would like a copy of the toolkit to support communications your community, please contact us.

For more information, visit the Animals on country roads webpage.

Tips for motorists

Make sure you know what to do when driving in rural and regional areas – especially around dusk or dawn, to avoid collisions with animals:

• Reduce your speed – Slow down and look out for wildlife on or near the roadside. 
• Stay alert – Animals can be fast and unpredictable. Stay alert and expect the unexpected.
• Brake safely – Apply your brakes in a careful, controlled manner. Leave space and pass with care when it’s safe to do so.
• Don’t swerve – Take great care if you manoeuvre to avoid an animal. You may lose control of your vehicle if you swerve too harshly.
• Follow animal warning signs – 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.
• 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 area.

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