Stay safe on the road: This easy-to-miss roadside detail can be a sign of danger
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As Australians navigate the roads of wilderness, they often marvel at the stunning landscapes and the unique wildlife that calls Australia home.
However, there's a subtle detail along these roads that poses a significant danger to Aussie drivers.
While it's easy to overlook, tiny dirt tracks on the roadside could lead to a deadly encounter.
These innocuous paths are more than just random marks; they are established crossings used by native wildlife—including kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats.
Recognising these tracks could be the difference between a safe journey and a costly collision.
Wildlife rescuer Kate Turner has dedicated her life to saving Australia's native animals.
Ms Turner has been working with the Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter, located in northeast Melbourne.
According to Ms Turner, about 80 per cent of vehicle strikes involving wildlife occur within 100 metres away from these crossings.
Animals tend to follow the same paths repeatedly, hence creating well-worn trails.
'It's incredibly frustrating,' Kate shared as she recounted the heart-wrenching task of removing multiple dead animals from the same spot on the road.
'Even birds tend to get hit in the same spots,' she added.
Despite her work with the wildlife shelter, the principles she has observed also apply nationwide.
While councils may erect wildlife warning signs near known crossings, Ms Turner believed that these signage are not enough.
She urged motorists to familiarise themselves with these animal pathways and to slow down when approaching them consciously.
'People just need to pay attention,' Ms Turner insisted.
Despite the presence of warning signs, Ms Turner found several animal carcasses directly beneath them.
'Maybe flashing signs with words saying "Slow Down" might work, but people just do what they want without regard.'
The consequences of hitting a sizeable native animal can be severe.
Not only is it a tragedy for the wildlife, but it could also be an expensive ordeal for motorists.
In the case of kangaroos, the impact can cause enough damage to write off a vehicle.
'If you pay attention, these paths are easy to spot,' Ms Turner emphasised.
'Learn them, slow down around them, and expect roos to come out at those spots. Treat them like zebra crossings.'
She recommended that drivers should familiarise themselves with worn paths that resemble bike or horse tracks.
While it may be challenging to spot all of them on long journeys, awareness towards these crossings could save lives—both of humans and wildlife.
'This month, I've already euthanised at least eight animals due to injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents and had three enter care,' Ms Turner revealed.
By being vigilant and slowing down near these wildlife crossings, Aussies can protect not only their cherished fauna but also the lives of fellow motorists and passengers.
Have you seen these animal tracks during your travels? How do you stay safe from wildlife while driving? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below.
However, there's a subtle detail along these roads that poses a significant danger to Aussie drivers.
While it's easy to overlook, tiny dirt tracks on the roadside could lead to a deadly encounter.
These innocuous paths are more than just random marks; they are established crossings used by native wildlife—including kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats.
Recognising these tracks could be the difference between a safe journey and a costly collision.
Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter pointed out several wildlife crossing signs on a social media post. Image Credit: Facebook/Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter
Wildlife rescuer Kate Turner has dedicated her life to saving Australia's native animals.
Ms Turner has been working with the Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter, located in northeast Melbourne.
According to Ms Turner, about 80 per cent of vehicle strikes involving wildlife occur within 100 metres away from these crossings.
Animals tend to follow the same paths repeatedly, hence creating well-worn trails.
'It's incredibly frustrating,' Kate shared as she recounted the heart-wrenching task of removing multiple dead animals from the same spot on the road.
'Even birds tend to get hit in the same spots,' she added.
Despite her work with the wildlife shelter, the principles she has observed also apply nationwide.
While councils may erect wildlife warning signs near known crossings, Ms Turner believed that these signage are not enough.
She urged motorists to familiarise themselves with these animal pathways and to slow down when approaching them consciously.
'People just need to pay attention,' Ms Turner insisted.
Despite the presence of warning signs, Ms Turner found several animal carcasses directly beneath them.
'Maybe flashing signs with words saying "Slow Down" might work, but people just do what they want without regard.'
The consequences of hitting a sizeable native animal can be severe.
Not only is it a tragedy for the wildlife, but it could also be an expensive ordeal for motorists.
In the case of kangaroos, the impact can cause enough damage to write off a vehicle.
'If you pay attention, these paths are easy to spot,' Ms Turner emphasised.
'Learn them, slow down around them, and expect roos to come out at those spots. Treat them like zebra crossings.'
She recommended that drivers should familiarise themselves with worn paths that resemble bike or horse tracks.
While it may be challenging to spot all of them on long journeys, awareness towards these crossings could save lives—both of humans and wildlife.
'This month, I've already euthanised at least eight animals due to injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents and had three enter care,' Ms Turner revealed.
By being vigilant and slowing down near these wildlife crossings, Aussies can protect not only their cherished fauna but also the lives of fellow motorists and passengers.
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