With winter approaching, Melton and Moorabool drivers are being urged to be extra vigilant on the roads.
According to AAMI, there were more than 70 accident insurance claims from drivers colliding with animals on Bacchus Marsh roads last year. This was a 55 per cent increase from the year before.
The insurer says there’s typically a “surge” in collisions involving animals during this time.
AAMI spokeswoman Ashleigh Paterson said one in five animal collisions recorded last year occurred during April and May.
“As we enter the cooler months, driving conditions change due to the shorter days and poorer weather conditions,” Ms Paterson said.
“This change also means motorists sharing the road more often with animals as their peak travel times are during dawn or dusk.”
Wildlife Victoria recorded 10 animal collisions (involving the eastern grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby and bare-nosed wombat) on Melton and Moorabool roads last month.
The not-for-profit organisation will be hosting a series of free educational events across the state to equip the community with the skills to help wildlife in their backyard. For more information about the events, visit wildlifevictoria.org.au.
