Australian auto insurers last week reported that kangaroos are mostly responsible for 20 or more animal-vehicle collisions a day.
The data comes from auto carriers NRMA and SGIO. Besides kangaroos, NRMA said among other marsupial bangups it registers claims for wombat damage.
In the Sidney area, NRMA said animal claims–particularly involving kangaroos–are the cause of around 23 collisions a day.
There are 47 varieties of kangaroo, and the largest can grow up to six feet tall and weigh 300 pounds, according to the Koala express Web site, which noted they can travel up to 40 miles per hour.
SGIO said it averages 30 kangaroo claims a week, which on average cost nearly 4,000 Australian dollars ($3,325 at current exchange rates).
Last year, NRMA said it received claims for more than 8,000 animal-related collisions in New South Wales, with around three quarters caused by kangaroos.
NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald said in a statement that kangaroo collisions on country roads are a significant problem that peaks during winter.
"Unfortunately, at this time of year, many kangaroos are active on our roads. They are often looking for food at sunrise and sunset, and it's during this time that an increased number of collisions occur," explained Mr. McDonald.
He said how drivers react after seeing a kangaroo can potentially save lives. "If you see a kangaroo on or near the road, you should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision," he advised. "If you hit the animal, and safety permits, the driver should also try to help it and move it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes."
Besides farm animals as well as cats and dogs, SGIO noted that has also recorded collisions with emus.
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