Melbourne: Kangaroos may be Australia's national icon, but they are actually a major cause of car accidents in the country, according to new data.
Statistics released by Australian Associated Motor Insurers Limited (AAMI) showed that kangaroos are responsible for nine out of 10 road accidents involving animals nationwide, 'Daily Telegraph Australia' reported.
AAMI analysed almost 19,000 animal collision claims reported in 2014 and found that claims start to rise in May with the peak danger period between June and August, increasing by 30 per cent in these winter months.
"Colliding with a large kangaroo, wombat or wallaby is not only traumatic for both the animal and driver but often causes considerable damage to cars and can also result in serious injury and death," said Reuben Aitchison, AAMI spokesperson.
"Wildlife is unpredictable and often drivers will not get any warning before an animal appears in front of them," said Aitchison.
