Drivers in Bendigo are being urged to remain particularly alert for kangaroos on local roads after new RACV data identified the region as one of Victoria’s major hotspots for kangaroo-related vehicle crashes.

According to data released by RACV’s insurance arm this week, Bendigo ranked seventh statewide, with 181 insurance claims relating to collisions between vehicles and kangaroos recorded between January 2021 and June 2026. The figures highlight an ongoing road-safety concern for motorists travelling through regional Victoria.

The wider Central Victoria region also featured prominently in the state rankings. Heathcote ranked third, with 230 claims, while Castlemaine ranked tenth, recording 155 claims during the same period. Across Victoria, almost 31,000 kangaroo-related collision claims were lodged over the five-and-a-half-year period.

The risk is particularly important during the colder months. RACV data indicates that kangaroo collision claims increase by more than 20 per cent between April and August compared with other times of the year. Kangaroos can move unpredictably and may suddenly cross roads, creating a serious hazard for drivers.

Motorists travelling around Bendigo and surrounding rural areas are therefore being encouraged to reduce their speed, stay alert and watch carefully for wildlife, particularly around dawn and dusk when kangaroos are more active.

The issue is not limited to damage to vehicles. A collision with a large kangaroo can cause significant damage and may also result in serious injuries to drivers or passengers. Sudden braking or swerving can create additional dangers, particularly on busy roads.

The latest figures provide a timely reminder for Bendigo motorists as winter comes to an end. With August traditionally associated with higher kangaroo collision numbers, drivers are being encouraged to take extra care during their daily journeys.

The RACV figures also demonstrate that kangaroo collisions remain a significant issue across regional Victoria, rather than being isolated incidents in one community. Bendigo’s position among the state’s top ten locations reinforces the importance of wildlife awareness and cautious driving on roads around the city and surrounding areas.