Latest news with #CharlesMountain
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Yahoo
Road warning in Aussie state as weather sparks deadly behaviour change
Transport authorities in the country's south are warning of a potentially deadly new road trend sweeping the state. According to South Australia's RAA there have been more than 2,100 insurance claims for accidents involving a kangaroo in the last year. This stark figure marks a 44 per cent increase compared to two years earlier, with the state's recent dry weather conditions believed to be driving the animals closer to roads in search of food. Recent photos emerging online show dozens of kangaroos in country South Australia on the road, with a driver snapping the shot as they were travelling between Sedan and Swan Reach, some 130 kilometres northeast of Adelaide. RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure, Charles Mountain, warned drivers that kangaroos are notoriously unpredictable, meaning motorists should remain on high alert when travelling through their known habitat. "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," he said. RAA data from the past three years has revealed several crash hotspots, with Mount Gambier topping the list at 64 claims, followed by Whyalla (57), Port Augusta (53), and Mount Compass (47). While 77 per cent of incidents occur in regional areas, a significant number also happen in outer metropolitan zones — a clear reminder that drivers across all regions need to stay alert. RAA is urging drivers to brake safely when encountering wildlife and to use their horn where possible, but warns against swerving, which can result in more serious crashes. While kangaroo collisions are typically more common during autumn and spring, recent dry conditions have seen an increase in incidents throughout other times of the year. Last month, footage showing a badly injured kangaroo, struck by a car and unable to move, sparked calls from conservationists to the public to slow down and pull over if they encounter an animal by the road in distress. Charity group Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue shared a video of a kangaroo lying motionless on the side of a SA road, its body too badly injured to move except for its head. "This video shows how stressful fast cars are for this poor roo that was hit and left badly injured. Our team took this footage while waiting for further assistance to arrive," the group wrote online. Speaking to Yahoo News, Mish from Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue urged Australians to contact wildlife groups immediately if they hit or come across an injured animal. "If your vehicle makes contact with an animal, please call local wildlife groups, even if the animal hops away or climbs a tree," she said. Confronting dashcam footage from inside a truck cab recently shared by a heavy vehicle driving school highlights the brutal reality on remote Aussie roads and why drivers shouldn't swerve. In the footage, a female truck driver is forced to make the split-second decision to "keep it straight" as kangaroos dash out in front of her vehicle. 🚘 Warning to Aussie drivers after tiny roadside find 🐦 Rare creature spotted outside Aussie workplace 🚊 Incredible discovery centimetres from train tracks The clip was shared to "spark responsible discussion and learning" of best driving practices when wildlife jump out in front of moving vehicles. The footage shows a trainee truckie and her instructor travelling along an open road when an adult kangaroo hops out in front of her, narrowly missing a collision. Two joeys following, however, were not as lucky. Michael Matta, the driving school's business director and lead trainer, told Yahoo News the reality is "heartbreaking" but this decision is best practice for road safety. "It's very bad to hit animals. Some of our drivers pull over and call wildlife services... but sometimes it's not practical or safe to stop," he said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Massive road rule change that could cost drivers $1,684 in one state: what you need to know
South Australians will be charged a hefty fine if they fail to slow down while passing a roadside assistance van. Drivers have been limited to 25 km/h when passing stationary emergency services and school buses, but a new law from the state government has extended the rule. The law, changed on Monday, now includes breakdown service patrols, tow trucks and other road service vehicles that have stopped with their amber lights flashing. People ignoring the limit could be fined $202 and two demerit points if going less than 10km/h over the limit. This jumps up to $1,684 and seven demerit points if they are caught driving more than 30km/h above the limit. The law has also been extended to cover when drivers pass bollards or cones set up around a vehicle by a breakdown services worker. 'This is a new era of safety for frontline workers and the hundreds of stranded drivers who need their help every day,' Royal Automobile Association of South Australia senior manager safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain said. 'This new measure will help keep our patrols, members and the vulnerable community members we assist safe.' RAA has recorded 23 reportable safety incidents or near misses between 2019 and February 2025 involving vehicles failing to slow down near breakdowns This included eight incidents where patrol vehicles were struck, and five where traffic cones were hit or dragged down the road. The change to South Australia's law brings the state in line with similar rules in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia. SA drivers already have to travel at 25 km/h when the speed is displayed on a sign and when driving through an emergency service speed zone. The limit also applies while driving in school zones when children are present or passing a school bus that has stopped to set down or pick up children.
