Guide to Avoiding Kangaroo Collisions While Driving in Australia

Every year, countless car accidents in Australia are caused by collisions with kangaroos. These marsupials are not only a common sight in rural and country areas but also in suburban and major arterial roads. Navigating through these areas safely requires a combination of awareness, caution, and effective strategies. This guide provides tips to help you avoid potentially hazardous encounters with kangaroos, which can lead to accidents or even fatalities.

Risk Areas and Times

Kangaroo encounters are most common during the night, particularly after rain, when they prefer to stay in front of headlight beams rather than noise. According to research, the risk increases especially when the road is lined with green pick, which grows along the bitumen roads from runoff rainwater. Kangaroos often jump into the headlights but hop away from the noise of vehicles. Therefore, sound your car horn regularly to alert them of your presence and reduce the chances of an accident. It is unsettling but essential to avoid swerving abruptly if you see a kangaroo ahead, as the sudden movement can result in loss of control and potential accidents.

Veering off the road to avoid hitting a kangaroo is often not a viable option. A tragic example occurred near Murgon in southern Queensland, where a woman driving a van late at night swerved to avoid a kangaroo and rolled the van, resulting in the deaths of two children. Such drastic measures are not advisable and can be fatal.

Urban and Suburban Environments

The misconception that only rural roads are risky is dispelled by the frequent sightings of kangaroos on major arterial roads in Australia's capital city, Canberra. With a population exceeding 400,000, the city is not immune to encountering these animals on its extensive road network. Kangaroos, being most active near roads in the early evening and morning, pose a constant threat. Drivers must remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions, even in urban areas.

Driving Defensively

Anticipatory driving is crucial. If you encounter a kangaroo, try to anticipate and remain calm. Hasty and abrupt maneuvers like swerving or braking should be avoided as they can lead to loss of control. Statistically, more accidents are caused by drivers trying to avoid kangaroos than those caused by the kangaroos themselves. The road surface offers a plain explanation for this; kangaroos cannot react as quickly to oncoming vehicles as birds or foxes. They tend to hop out onto the road, stop and look at oncoming vehicles until it is too late for either to avoid the collision.

Innovative Solutions

To mitigate the risks, innovative devices like the Shu Roo have been introduced. This device emits a high-pitched sound, which is reportedly effective in deterring kangaroos from the road. The Shu Roo fits to the vehicle power supply and focuses sound forward to scare kangaroos away, proving to be a valuable tool for regular travelers. Price ranges for these devices vary, typically between $5 and $30, with some models costing up to $600. However, even the cheaper models are reported to function adequately, offering a reasonable investment for enhanced road safety.

The vast area of the Australian continent makes roadside fencing impractical in many regions. Thus, devices like the Shu Roo, which can significantly reduce the frequency of accidents involving kangaroos, are indeed beneficial. If you plan to drive in rural or country areas of Australia, it is advisable to invest in a Shu Roo to enhance your safety on the road.

Stay informed, stay alert, and drive with care to prevent deadly kangaroo accidents. Your preparation and awareness can make all the difference in ensuring a safe journey on Australia's vast and beautiful roads.