MUSWELLBROOK has been named one of the state's hot spots for kangaroo car strikes during winter, the NRMA has revealed.
The insurer on Monday said 85 per cent of animal collisions during the winter months involved kangaroos, and that strikes overall peaked during the colder season.
NRMA's 2019 data showed there were more than 13,000 collisions statewide last year,
NRMA Insurance claims data shows there were over 13,000 collisions involving animals in 2019.
Claims data showed Muswellbrook's 111 hits trailed only Dubbo (236), Armidale (162), Mudgee (136) and Goulburn (132) for the number of animal strikes reported over the 12-month period.
NRMA Insurance research specialist Chris Emerson said city drivers, who may be unfamiliar with the behavior of larger animals, should take care in country areas.
"Animals are unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere, so it's important to slow down and be aware of your environment especially when you're driving on roads that aren't familiar," he said.
"Colliding with a kangaroo is not only traumatic for the driver and the animal, it also causes considerable damage to cars and can also result in serious injury."
"How you react when you see a kangaroo on the road can potentially save lives, so it's important to remain vigilant. If you see an animal on the road while driving, try to brake, but don't swerve to avoid it because you could collide with another car."
