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Between 2011 and 2020, 11 people were killed on Victorian roads in crashes that involved an animal strike \u2013 many of those involved kangaroos, wallabies, or wombats.<\/p>\n
In the same period, more than 1,500 people were injured in a crash where an animal was involved.<\/p>\n
While the Surf Coast is not among the state\u2019s most prevalent hotspots for vehicular incidents involving native wildlife, the shire is helping Wildlife Victoria spread its campaign\u2019s message to residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil is pleased to be amplifying Wildlife Victoria\u2019s Drive Safely campaign, and with so many people flocking to our region for summer breaks it is important that the message resonates,\u201d Cr Bodswoth said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil is also supporting Surf Coast Wildlife Rescue and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in a trial of virtual fencing on Forest Road near Anglesea to help reduce kangaroo-vehicle collisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cVirtual fencing involves having devices on roadside guideposts which are activated by vehicle headlights and emit sound and light to deter kangaroos from crossing roads.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma said the not-for-profit organisation was anticipating a deadly summer on the roads.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are already seeing wildlife-related road trauma increasing year on year with the urban spread creeping into the natural habitat of our native animals. On top of that, a great deal of habitat was wiped out during the state\u2019s last devastating bushfires,\u201d Ms Palma said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s becoming more and more common to see native animals foraging for food alongside roadside verges between dusk and dawn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wildlife Victoria concluded that a slight reduction speed reduces the risk of all types of collisions, including hitting animals on the road.<\/p>\n
Therefore, drivers are urged to slow down in areas where wildlife is active. Just a 5km per hour reduction in speed can lead to at least a 15 per cent decrease in crashes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WILDLIFE Victoria is urging people to slow down on the roads and remain more alert of native wildlife these summer holidays and the Surf Coast is backing the call-out. The \u2018A Safe Drive Saves Our Wildlife\u2019 advertising campaign was launched last week by Wildlife Victoria and is also supported by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). […]<\/p>\n