Motorcycle accidents involving kangaroos and wallabies make up for the majority of animal collisions in Australia. Thankfully, I’m yet to add to this statistic, however, I’ve definitely had my fair share of close calls with these wildly erratic animals. To help reduce the amount of face-to-face time with these furry natives, here are 5 tips to help you avoid hitting kangaroos on your motorcycle.
Dusk & Dawn - Be Aware!
Kangaroos are crepuscular which means they are most active during dusk and dawn, so be especially alert during these times. Not to mention, the lack of light during these times also isn’t ideal!
Road Position
Doesn’t matter if you're in an urban or rural environment, road position on your motorcycle is crucial to ensure your safety on the road. It's suggested when riding in rural areas to position yourself as far away from the dense bush as possible. This is because riders will have more time to react and hopefully avoid the animal, due to the added distance and increased reaction time.
Reduce The Speed
This should be common sense, but if you’re riding in “Kangaroo Collision Territory”, best to SLOW DOWN. If you do encounter a kangaroo, your aim is to wash off as much speed as possible and hold your direction. You often hear about riders attempting to swerve out of the way at speeds, resulting in greater injuries. Always remember, it’s better to arrive late than not at all! Stay active, and keep it easy on the throttle.
Make Some Noise
Loud noises like an exhaust, audio stereo and horn, have claimed to deter kangaroos off the road. It makes sense, scaring the roos out of the way! Sudden revs of the engine or a blow of the horn are good habits to have, especially before heading around a blind corner in rural and low traffic areas.
Scan Technique
Scan. Scan. Scan. Early detection and awareness are key to avoiding collisions. If the kangaroos are in the middle of the road, they should be easy to spot and you’ll have time to access appropriate actions. Kangaroos are most lethal when they come bouncing from the side, directly in front of you. This is why you should be constantly scanning left and right, looking for any movement in the bush.
Remember, these furry creations are incredibly erratic, so stay alert, slow down and ensure the correct road position.
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