Less than half of all Tasmanians say they would not know what to do if they hit an animal on the road, and the number is even lower in younger age groups.

RACT insurance market research has shown while 63 per cent of Tasmanians believe the amount of road kill on Tasmania’s roads in concerning, just 49 per cent know the correct steps to follow should they hit an animal with their car.

A total of 22 healthy Tasmanian devils have died in the past 12 months after being released to help boost the population, which remains under threat from the deadly facial tumour disease.

Four healthy devils were killed just days after their release into Narawntapu National Park near Launceston last September.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said these results are worrying; especially given 33 immunised devils were released in the Stony Head area last Tuesday.

“Confidence or knowledge around what to do if you hit an animal on the road is lowest among the 18-29 year old age group, with just 36 per cent of those surveyed stating they would know what to do,” said Mr Sayers.

“The numbers are only slightly better for the 30-39 year old age group with 39% stating they would know what to do.

Director of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Greg Irons, encouraged drivers to stop if it is safe to do so, as injuries may be treatable, and many females may be carrying joeys in the pouch.

“The safety of yourself, your passengers and other drivers on the road should be your number one priority, however if you determine it is safe to do so, stop and assess the animal,” said Mr Irons.

“Once you have done this, call Bonorong’s 24-hour rescue and advice line on 0447 264 625 (0447 ANIMAL) for help. We recommend everyone save this number in their phone, as you never know when you may need it.

“A study undertaken by CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist, Dr Alasdair Hobday, revealed if drivers slowed down by 20km/h in our hotspot areas between dusk and dawn, your chance of hitting an animal can be reduced by 50%.

If safe to do so, Mr Irons said he recommended removing deceased animals off to the side of the road.

“Removing animals from the road also helps to protect endangered scavenging species like the Tasmanian Devil and Wedge Tailed Eagle from being hit while feeding.”

Mr Sayers said while colliding with an animal can obviously kill or seriously injure the animal, it can also have very serious impacts on the driver, your passengers, other road users, your vehicle and of course, the wildlife.

“Tasmanian drivers incur over $5 million of damage each year as a result of collisions with wildlife, and most of it is preventable by reducing driving speed,” he said.

“Unfortunately in some cases, making contact with animals on our roads may be unavoidable, and it is important to know how to act.

“Sudden swerving and slamming on breaks to avoid animals are sure fire ways to put lives in danger, particularly if you are travelling at high speeds.

“For your best chance of avoiding wildlife on roads at night, it is recommended that drivers travel at 60kmph under low beam lights or 80kmph under high beam lights.”

If you think you are about to collide with an animal: – Stay in your lane and gradually slow down – Do not swerve or slam on the breaks

If you think you have collided with an animal: – If it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road to assess the situation – Call your local wildlife rescue for advice (Bonorong takes calls 24/7: 0447 264 625)
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers