Why did the koala cross the road?

06 Jun 2024

Whether it be to look for a mate, habitat, food, or to establish new territory, koalas and other wildlife can often be found on or near the road which can pose a risk to motorists. 

One in every 41 crashes resulting in injury or death on country roads involve a vehicle hitting an animal. Between 2013 to 2022 there were a total of 1423 crashes with an animal which resulted in injury or death to the road user. 

To highlight road safety and the conservation of our precious native wildlife, we’re running the ‘Animals on Country Roads’ campaign from 21 May to 30 June 2024. This public education initiative reminds motorists to take care around animals when driving or riding on country roads.

Look and listen out for messages across social media, radio, digital display and VMS.

Coinciding with this year’s campaign, we hosted a symposium on ‘using technology to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions’. A full report on the outcomes of the symposium and the results of a global literature review will be released in July 2024.

Tips for driving safely around animals

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

• 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 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 – These signs alert you to the presence of animals in the area. If you see them, 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.

Get involved!

• Use the communications toolkit to share content including videos, web tiles and posters for a range of animals.
  • Log into the Hub to download a copy of the communications toolkit or email towardszero@transport.nsw.gov.au to request one.
• Take the animals on country roads quiz to test your knowledge. Let us know how you went in the comments!
• Follow the NSW Road Safety Facebook page to like, share and comment on posts.
• Visit the Centre for Road Safety website for more information about driving safely around animals.

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