The Winter Wildlife Crisis: Why Your "Instinct" to Swerve is Killing Drivers

As the days get shorter and the winter nights draw in, our roads are entering a "perfect storm." With peak commuting times now perfectly aligning with the dawn and dusk hours when our nocturnal wildlife is most active, wildlife collisions are skyrocketing. Last year alone, over 24,000 insurance claims were lodged across Australia, with thousands of family cars completely written off. But the real danger isn't just the animals—it’s our own panic response. Brent sits down with AAMI’s Motor Insights and Operations Manager, Steve Cratchley, to break down the shocking data behind these crashes. Steve explains why swerving to avoid a kangaroo is statistically the most dangerous thing you can do, why drivers are making a fatal mistake by disabling their car’s safety tech, and how you can survive a wildlife encounter this winter. Hit play for the ultimate life-saving guide to regional driving and the step-by-step game plan you need if the worst happens on your drive home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.