WARWICK has been named as one of the state's hotspots for animal-related highway accidents.

Southern Downs motorists have been warned that the worst time of year for these accidents is during July and August.

And motoring organisation NRMA said 80% of animal-related accidents on our roads involved kangaroos.

The insurer said that Warwick was second only to Goondiwindi last year in recording the state's highest number of animal-related accidents.

Last year Warwick registered 28 strikes and Goondiwindi 31. Then came Longreach (27) and Charters Towers (17).

The insurer has urged Southern Downs drivers to take care on roads as it released its latest claims data showing 1380 animals including kangaroos, dogs, wombats, cattle and cats were injured or killed on state roads last year.

NRMA Insurance head of research Robert McDonald said winter was the season most drivers and animals were at risk, with kangaroo hits occurring frequently.

"Kangaroos are most active around sunrise and sunset when they are foraging and this is when they are most likely to venture on to roads, so we encourage drivers to slow down during twilight hours," said Mr McDonald.

"How you react when you see a kangaroo on the road can potentially save lives, so it's important to stay alert so you have the best chance of reducing both human and animal casualties," he said.

"If you hit a kangaroo and it is critically injured, we recommend you call your local wildlife group or the police.

"If you're driving on local streets dogs and cats can often wander on to roads, into driveways or under parked cars," Mr McDonald said.

Stay safe

 If you see an animal on or near the road, you should try and brake, but not swerve to avoid a collision;

 Reduce your speed inside sign-posted wildlife areas;

 If you hit the animal and safety permits, you should try to help by moving it to the side of the road to prevent further crashes;

 Don't force the animal to eat or drink; and

 Contact a local veterinarian or a wildlife rescue centre.

Source: NRMA Insurance