LIMESTONE Coast Police have issued a fresh warning for motorists to be on high alert in populated kangaroo areas amid reports the native animal triggered a car roll-over at OB Flat.
A 20-year-old Moorak driver is being treated in hospital after she lost control of her Holden sedan at 10.20pm along Glenelg River Road on Sunday.
The young woman – who was unconscious when paramedics arrived at the scene – is believed to have serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The accident comes just days after Mount Gambier was named the top postcode in the state for kangaroo collisions and the State Government mooting the possibility of commercial kangaroo culling in the Limestone Coast.
While a police statement initially claimed the vehicle rolled after hitting a kangaroo, investigations are ongoing into all factors involved in the serious OB Flat accident.
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge senior sergeant Chris King said the motorist was travelling in a northern direction at the time of the accident.
“It is too early to know if a kangaroo was involved, the driver will need to be interviewed,” Snr Sgt King said.
But he urged motorists to “slow down” in areas where kangaroos were prevalent and never swerve.
“The consequences can be far worse if you swerve,” the senior ranked officer warned.
SA Ambulance South East operations manager Andrew Thomas said the female driver was unconscious when paramedics arrived at the scene.
He said paramedics treated and stabilised the young women before they extricated her from the vehicle.
Mr Thomas said the patient was then conveyed to Mount Gambier Hospital for treatment.
Limestone Coast community road safety officer Ali Auld also called on motorists to remain vigilant on the roads in regards to wildlife.
“Many species of wildlife are most active during the dawn and dusk times, particularly kangaroos and wallabies,” Ms Auld said.
“Avoid driving during these high-risk times if possible, but if you must do so, be especially careful, slow down and take it easy around corners.”
In particular, she urged people to reduce speed when driving near scrub or forest reserves.
“Stay straight, break and survive,” Ms Auld said.
The road safety officer also encouraged people to express their views on the amended draft commercial kangaroo management plan.
The consultation for this plan ends on September 6.
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage said the proposed changes were the “first step” at dealing with high kangaroo numbers in the areas.
Not only did kangaroos cause road accidents, but he said they also damaged the environment.
“I also urge motorists to slow down, kangaroos are everywhere around the district. They can be found in the middle of Allendale, Kongorong and even Mount Gambier,” Mr Sage said.
Mount Gambier crash repairer John Jakutavicius – from Double O Crash – said kangaroo-related vehicle accidents accounted for up to 70pc of his business.
“We see very consistent numbers over the years,” Mr Jakutavicius said.
He said kangaroo-related accidents range from small to significant damage, including “write-offs”.
Mr Jakutavicius also revealed the number of feral deer-related crashes were on the rise.
