Road safety
Driving with wildlife in Australia: what visitors should know
Wildlife on the road is the biggest avoidable risk on an Australian self-drive trip. Kangaroos, wallabies and other animals are most active at dawn, at dusk and after dark, especially on country roads. A little planning keeps you, the animals and the car safe.
The practical details
- Animals are most active from dusk to dawn. On country and outback roads, plan your driving for daylight hours.
- Yellow wildlife signs mark known crossing areas. Slow down there, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Kangaroos often travel in groups. If one crosses, expect others to follow.
- If an animal is on the road, brake firmly in a straight line and don't swerve. Swerving at speed causes more serious accidents than the animal itself.
- Some rental covers in Australia exclude animal strike or treat it as a single-vehicle accident. What your cover includes, and your deductible, is shown on every rate before you book.
Common pitfalls
- Driving country roads at dusk to “make up time” at the end of the day.
- Swerving to avoid an animal and leaving the road.
- Assuming highways are safe at night. Wildlife crosses highways too, well outside the cities.
Our recommendation
- Plan each day so you arrive before sunset on country and outback legs.
- Slow down near wildlife signs and in the hour around sunrise and sunset.
- If you hit an animal: pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, check yourself and the car, and contact us. We'll help with the rental company from there. If the animal is injured, call the local wildlife rescue service.
Related questions
When are kangaroos most active?
At dawn, at dusk and at night. That's when most wildlife collisions happen.
Should I swerve to avoid a kangaroo?
No. Brake firmly in a straight line and stay on the road.
Does rental cover include hitting an animal?
It depends on the cover: some covers in Australia exclude animal strike. Your cover level, what it includes and your deductible are shown on every rate before you book.
Is it safe to drive at night in Australia?
In the cities, yes. On country and outback roads, it's best avoided because of wildlife.
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