As the clocks were turned back by an hour overnight, daylight saving time has officially come to an end. This change marks the beginning of cooler weather and shorter days, with less sunlight becoming a reality as winter approaches. With these changes, road safety experts are reminding Australians to be extra cautious during the early morning and late evening hours when visibility is reduced.
In several states across Australia, the sun will now rise and set an hour earlier than before. As the days become progressively shorter, more people are expected to be on the road during dawn and dusk, which is considered a high-risk period for accidents. Russell White, CEO of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, highlighted that the sudden shift in time can affect drivers’ vision significantly.
“You’ll be driving with different levels of vision,” White explained. “It’s in between light and dark, and it’s constantly changing.”
White emphasized the importance of focusing on the basics while driving during these times. He advised drivers to look as far ahead as possible and remain aware of the changing visibility conditions.
This warning comes just days after NRMA Insurance reported a 21% increase in animal-related crashes over the past year. A total of 15,000 incidents were recorded in 2025, according to the insurance provider.
Kangaroos were the most frequently involved in collisions, followed by wallabies, wombats, and invasive species such as deer and foxes. Nick Kirkovski, Executive Manager Claims at NRMA Insurance, noted that wildlife activity tends to peak during autumn and winter when the days are shorter. This makes dawn, dusk, and night the most dangerous times for road users.
“Wildlife can appear on the road with little warning, so it’s crucial for drivers to stay alert, especially when traveling long distances in regional areas during school holidays,” Kirkovski said.
Regional and rural drivers face the highest risk of animal collisions, according to NRMA Insurance claims data. In New South Wales, Dubbo and Goulburn remain the most dangerous locations, while Canberra and Belconnen recorded the most incidents in the Australian Capital Territory. In Queensland, Goondiwindi is identified as the highest-risk area.
Driver behavior plays a significant role in preventing serious accidents when encountering wildlife. Kirkovski stressed the importance of slowing down safely and avoiding sudden movements if an animal is spotted on the road.
How to avoid a crash with an animal
NRMA Insurance has provided the following tips to help drivers avoid encounters with animals on the road:
- Avoid driving during dawn, dusk, or nighttime whenever possible, as this is typically when animals are most active.
- Ensure you have a good night’s sleep before embarking on a long drive and plan regular breaks, ideally a 15-minute break every two hours.
- Reduce your speed in areas where wildlife is known to be present.
- If you see an animal on or near the road, try to slow down gradually and avoid swerving.
- If you hit an animal and it is safe to do so, check its welfare and contact your local wildlife rescue service.
Have you experienced a road incident during dawn or dusk? Share your story with us at [email protected].
Do you have a story tip? Email: [email protected]
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
