NRMA Insurance Queensland Issues Highway Hazard Warning

(PRWEB) February 16, 2010 -- Animals, particularly kangaroos, were the cause of more than 9,000 collisions on Queensland roads last year, according to NRMA Car Insurance QLD (http://www.nrmaqld.com.au/car-insurance/index.shtml) estimates*.

NRMA Insurance corporate affairs manager Sue Hawkins said kangaroos continued to pose a serious hazard on country roads.

“Kangaroos are often looking for food at sunrise and sunset, and it’s during this time that an increased number of collisions occur,” he said.

“How you react when you see a kangaroo on the road can potentially save lives.”

Ms Hawkins said although 75 per cent of animal collisions in Queensland involved kangaroos, suburban drivers should also be alert, with one in ten involving dogs.

NRMA Car Insurance QLD (http://www.nrmaqld.com.au/car-insurance/index.shtml) offers some advice for drivers:

•    if you see a kangaroo on or near the road, you should try and brake, but don’t swerve to avoid a collision

•    if you hit the animal and safety permits, try and move it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes

•    if the animal is still alive, keep it warm, and in a quiet place

•    don’t force the animal to eat or drink, and contact a local veterinarian or wildlife rescue service.

Top kangaroo hotspots

Regional centre

1. St George

2. Goondiwindi

3. Warwick

4. Charleville, Rockhampton, Charters Towers

5. Mackay

6. Emerald

7. Longreach, Roma

8. Mareeba

9. Middlemount

10. Bowen

About NRMA Insurance

NRMA Insurance provides Car Insurance (http://www.nrmaqld.com.au/car-insurance/index.shtml), Home Insurance, Travel Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance and more in Queensland.

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