Originally published: Yahoo News Australia, 03 June 2026
A major insurance group has identified a concerning behaviour on Australian roads over winter.
During the winter months, as Aussies drive home from work in the dark, a dangerous trend has emerged.
Claims data from insurer AAMI shows that May, June, and July are the months when collisions with wildlife are more likely.
As you probably suspected, the most dangerous times to drive are during the evening, night and early morning, and you’re more likely to hit an animal on a country road.
In 2025, AAMI alone recorded 24,000 wildlife-related claims around Australia, with the average claim costing $9,000.
But the consequences can be more deadly than just a banged-up vehicle — crashes can be fatal for both drivers and animals.
On Monday, the NSW transport department warned that 26 people lost their lives and 1,250 crashes were linked to animal collisions on country roads between 2016 and 2025.
Concerning Aussie driver behaviour identified
Worryingly, a Pureprofile survey commissioned by AAMI of 2,071 drivers found that 77 per cent don’t slow down when they spot a large animal near the roadside.
And only 46 per cent said they adjust their driving after spotting a wildlife sign.
What many don’t know is that these warnings are ordinarily erected by a council or state government in collision hotspots.
