Dashcam captures risky rural driving mistake sending Aussie motorists into meltdown
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Disclaimer: This article contains a video that some readers may find distressing, as it shows an animal being struck on the road. Viewer discretion is advised.
Suppose you’ve ever taken a drive through the Australian countryside. In that case, you’ll know there’s a certain magic to it—rolling hills, starry skies, and the occasional kangaroo or wombat making a cameo on the roadside.
But as enchanting as our rural roads can be, they also come with a sobering responsibility: sharing the space with our unique and often vulnerable wildlife.
A recent dashcam video from Tasmania has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting just how quickly a moment of impatience can turn tragic.
The footage, captured on a dark stretch north of Hobart, shows a car slowing down after spotting a Tasmanian devil—a rare and endangered marsupial—on the edge of the road.
The occupants, delighted at the sight, are suddenly horrified as another vehicle speeds past, overtaking them and running straight over the frightened animal.
The reckless driver doesn’t stop or even slow down, disappearing into the night as the dashcam car’s occupants shout in disbelief.
Miraculously, the devil survived the collision, and the dashcam driver was able to move him off the road once he regained his senses.
But the incident has sparked an urgent plea from wildlife experts: slow down, stay alert, and remember that our roads are home to more than just cars.
John Grant from WIRES, one of Australia’s leading wildlife rescue organisations, explains that many of our native species—including Tasmanian devils, koalas, kangaroos, gliders, and echidnas—are nocturnal.
'They’re most active between dusk and dawn,' he says. 'During winter, when dusk can fall as early as 5 pm, their nightly search for food and water often coincides with peak hour traffic, especially in rural areas.'
Unlike our beloved pets, wild animals have no concept of road safety.
They can dart out from roadside bushes without warning, making it all too easy for a distracted or speeding driver to cause a fatal accident.
The best advice is simple: slow down and be extra cautious, especially in areas marked with wildlife warning signs.
If you spot an animal on or near the road, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
Remember, it’s not just about protecting wildlife—collisions with large animals like kangaroos or wombats can cause severe damage to your car and put your own safety at risk.
If you hit an animal or see one that’s been struck, experts urge you to pull over safely and check on the animal to see if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
If you find injured or dead wildlife, check for life and joeys nearby. Keep any rescued animals warm and quiet, and always call a wildlife rescue group—never try to handle large or dangerous animals yourself.
Here are some key numbers to keep handy in your glovebox or phone:
Every year, thousands of animals are killed or injured on our roads. For endangered species like the Tasmanian devil, every life counts.
But it’s not just about the animals. Collisions can cause significant damage to vehicles and sometimes result in serious injury or worse for drivers and passengers.
Slowing down and staying alert isn’t just the right thing to do for our furry and feathered friends—it’s the smart thing to do for your own safety.
Have you ever had a close call with wildlife on the road? Or perhaps you’ve helped rescue an injured animal? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and advice. Sharing your experiences can help raise awareness and keep both people and animals safe. Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: Stay safe on the road: This easy-to-miss roadside detail can be a sign of danger
Suppose you’ve ever taken a drive through the Australian countryside. In that case, you’ll know there’s a certain magic to it—rolling hills, starry skies, and the occasional kangaroo or wombat making a cameo on the roadside.
But as enchanting as our rural roads can be, they also come with a sobering responsibility: sharing the space with our unique and often vulnerable wildlife.
A recent dashcam video from Tasmania has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting just how quickly a moment of impatience can turn tragic.
The footage, captured on a dark stretch north of Hobart, shows a car slowing down after spotting a Tasmanian devil—a rare and endangered marsupial—on the edge of the road.
The occupants, delighted at the sight, are suddenly horrified as another vehicle speeds past, overtaking them and running straight over the frightened animal.
A driver in rural Tasmania ran over a Tasmanian devil after overtaking a vehicle slowing down to avoid the animal, as seen in shocking dashcam footage. Credit: Depositphotos
The reckless driver doesn’t stop or even slow down, disappearing into the night as the dashcam car’s occupants shout in disbelief.
Miraculously, the devil survived the collision, and the dashcam driver was able to move him off the road once he regained his senses.
But the incident has sparked an urgent plea from wildlife experts: slow down, stay alert, and remember that our roads are home to more than just cars.
John Grant from WIRES, one of Australia’s leading wildlife rescue organisations, explains that many of our native species—including Tasmanian devils, koalas, kangaroos, gliders, and echidnas—are nocturnal.
'They’re most active between dusk and dawn,' he says. 'During winter, when dusk can fall as early as 5 pm, their nightly search for food and water often coincides with peak hour traffic, especially in rural areas.'
Unlike our beloved pets, wild animals have no concept of road safety.
They can dart out from roadside bushes without warning, making it all too easy for a distracted or speeding driver to cause a fatal accident.
The best advice is simple: slow down and be extra cautious, especially in areas marked with wildlife warning signs.
If you spot an animal on or near the road, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
If you hit an animal or see one that’s been struck, experts urge you to pull over safely and check on the animal to see if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
If you find injured or dead wildlife, check for life and joeys nearby. Keep any rescued animals warm and quiet, and always call a wildlife rescue group—never try to handle large or dangerous animals yourself.
Here are some key numbers to keep handy in your glovebox or phone:
- Tasmania, NSW, SE QLD: WIRES – 1300 094 737
- Other parts of QLD: RSPCA QLD – 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
- Victoria: Wildlife Victoria – (03) 8400 7300
- South Australia: Fauna Rescue SA – (08) 8289 0896
- Western Australia: Wildcare Helpline – (08) 9474 9055
- ACT: ACT Wildlife – 0432 300 033
- Northern Territory: Wildcare NT – Darwin 0408 885 341, Alice Springs 0419 221 128, Katherine 0412 955 336
But it’s not just about the animals. Collisions can cause significant damage to vehicles and sometimes result in serious injury or worse for drivers and passengers.
Slowing down and staying alert isn’t just the right thing to do for our furry and feathered friends—it’s the smart thing to do for your own safety.
Stay safe out there, and remember: a little patience can save a life.
Credit: YouTube
Credit: YouTube
Read more: Stay safe on the road: This easy-to-miss roadside detail can be a sign of danger
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