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Kangaroo collisions up 44% in South Australia as worst areas named

By Glam Adelaide

Posted on June 23, 2025

In South Australia, RAA has reported a 44% increase in kangaroo collision claims due to dry conditions, with calls for heightened vigilance on roads.

In South Australia, the incidence of vehicle collisions with kangaroos is surging, as seen in the claims received by RAA insurance. Over the past year, more than 2,100 claims for such collisions were lodged, marking a 44% increase compared to two years prior. According to RAA, the state’s dry conditions have driven kangaroos closer to roadways in search of food, contributing to this rise.

Charles Mountain, RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure, spoke about the ongoing issue, stating, “There is a clear trend that kangaroo collisions are increasing across the state as more animals come towards busy roads in search of food. Kangaroos in particular are unpredictable creatures that can seemingly come out of nowhere and pose a significant safety risk.”

Kangaroo collisions have been frequent in certain regional areas. An analysis of the last three years of RAA’s insurance claim data pinpoints several hotspots. Mount Gambier leads with 64 claims, followed by Whyalla with 57, Port Augusta with 53, and Mount Compass with 47. While 77% of incidents occur in regional areas, a sizable amount happens in outer metropolitan zones, indicating that drivers across all areas need to remain vigilant.

Due to these increasing encounters, RAA urges drivers, especially those in regional areas, to stay alert for potential wildlife on the roads. The advice includes braking safely on spotting wildlife and using the horn if possible, but importantly, drivers are advised against swerving, which could lead to more severe accidents.

Crash incidences are traditionally higher during autumn and spring. However, the recent sparse rainfall has led to an uptick in reports during other months as well.

The suburbs reporting the highest incidents of kangaroo collisions from May 2022 to April 2025, according to RAA insurance, include:

– Mount Gambier (64)
– Whyalla (57)
– Port Augusta (53)
– Mount Compass (47)
– McLaren Vale (45)
– Naracoorte (45)
– Williamstown (45)
– Myponga (43)
– Quorn (41)
– Victor Harbor (40)
– Hawker (40)

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