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Central Victoria has emerged as the worst area in the state – and one of the worst in the country – for vehicle collisions with animals, according to new data.
Figures from insurance company AAMI show that last year, more claims arose in the Bendigo area postcode of 3551 than anywhere else in Victoria.
A breakdown of the 5640 animal-related claims in Victoria shows Heathcote, Gisborne and Woodend were also among the top five worst areas in the state for such accidents.
The postcode of 3551 recorded 179 claims last year, followed by Heathcote with 124 claims, Gisborne with 94, Whittlesea with 86 and Woodend with 82 claims.
AAMI spokesman Michael Mills said it was believed these areas were hotspots for animal-related claims because they were growing areas, particularly because they were surrounded by bushland.
Figures from 2014 show Bendigo also topped the list that year, with Heathcote in third, behind Gisborne.
But Bendigo and Heathcote recorded significant increases in the number of claims made, with a 32 per cent increase and a 53 per cent increase from 2014 to 2015 respectively.
The 3551 postcode also had the second-highest number of claims in the country behind Queanbeyan on the New South Wales-Australian Capital Territory border.
Mr Mills said the figures also indicated July was the most dangerous month to be on the roads when it came to animal collisions, suggesting motorists were 68 per cent more likely to hit an animal in winter than in summer.
“Shorter days during winter mean we’re on the roads more at times when animals are on the move, and combined with poor weather conditions and reduced visibility, make the chances of hitting an animal more likely,” Mr Mills said.
The insurance data shows 88 per cent of claims involved a collision with a kangaroo.
Mr Mills said this was likely due to there being large populations of the animals, combined with their size and speed.
The average cost of a claim resulting from an animal collision was about $5000, he said.
Mr Mills said Victorian drivers should avoid driving at night where possible, and be particularly alert and attentive when driving at dusk and dawn, times when wildlife was generally more active.
He said most animal-related claims arose from accidents that occurred between 6am and 7am, and 5pm and 7pm.
While animal-related claims accounted for a small number overall, Mr Mills said there were still 20,000 such claims made nationwide last year.
Anyone who comes across injured wildlife can call the Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service on 0427 301 401.