Driving for the unexpected.
The shorter days bring more traffic at dawn and dusk times resulting in wildlife often being more on roadsides or crossing roads. This sadly results in an increase in wildlife hits and is a very busy time for all involved in rescue and care.
In our neighbourhood alone we have already picked up multiple Possums and Red-Necked Wallabies off our roads, sadly, all with deceased joeys. One this morning was picked up by Joel, a little female who visits our front lawn each morning and we have been watching her pouch grow larger each week.
It is always such a bad start to the day and hard to watch as our local population numbers are drastically declining. Hence feeling the need for this post 🙂
You can please help spread education to young drivers or those that may not drive on country roads or high wildlife areas often.
-Always drive for the unexpected.
-If something jumped out right now, am I driving in a way that I would have the best case scenario outcomes?
-Obey the speed limit and remain observant giving yourself every opportunity to notice animals on the road or roadside?
-Native animals, domestic and livestock have very little to no road sense
Always assume animals will head onto the road and slow right down as you approach to ensure a safer interaction.
*A tip for when driving on country roads, dark coloured animals such as a cow or horse on a black road at night is a disaster waiting to happen. Farm fences do go down, always try to remain aware and drive for the unexpected.
When someone flashes there lights at an oncoming vehicle this is a warning of a potential hazard up ahead so please slow down. This can mean going under the speed limit to be able to drive to the conditions up ahead.
Drive to the conditions at early morning and dusk times, this may mean a little under the speed limit in sections of your commute.
Please stop for the animal if you at all possibly can and remember to report injured wildlife through to the Wildcare Hotline on 07 5527 2444 or the RSPCA Queensland 1300ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or google wildlife rescue for your area - These organisations are always there to help you get through this event and will know what to do.
Please stay safe.