Australian motorists warned against animal crashes during holiday period

As Australians prepare to hit the roads in the upcoming holiday period, motorists are urged to slow down to avoid clashes with animals.

Wildlife Victoria, a wildlife emergency response organization, said on Monday that each year, thousands of native animals are killed or injured on Victoria's roads, with the number of accidents during the holiday period increasing year on year.

During the six-week school holidays from December 2021 to January 2022, the organization responded to 1,131 reports of wildlife injured or killed by vehicles, up from 663 calls in the same period in 2019-2020 and 559 calls in 2018-2019.

"Motorists should again reduce their speed, stay alert, and scan the road ahead so they have enough time to slow down and safely steer around any animals on or near the road," said Wildlife Victoria in a statement.

The organization added if a motorist does hit an animal, while safe to do so, they should pull over and call the emergency response service.

"This is important information, as particularly at this time of year, many of our kangaroos have pouch-young. Pouch joeys can survive for several days after their mother has passed so it is incredibly important for pouches to be checked as soon as possible," the organization said.

In addition to the emergency response service, a free Travelling Vet Service of the organization is also available to assess injured wildlife on site in the outer east of Melbourne.