Moreton Bay Regional Council is encouraging residents to slow down in high-risk wildlife-vehicle crash zones during the winter season.

Acting Mayor Mike Charlton said wildlife-vehicle collisions peaked during the cooler months between July and August due to low rainfall and drier conditions, which force wildlife, like kangaroos, to forage over wider areas and more frequently on roadside grass. Koala breeding season also starts during these months, increasing koala activity and movement across roads.

“Wildlife can move fast and be extremely unpredictable so it’s important motorists remain vigilant and alert,” he said.

“As part of Council’s Green Infrastructure Network’s program, we’ve installed wildlife stencils to assist motorists to slow down at a number of locations including:

Francis Road and Bells Pocket Road at Lawnton

Diamond Jubilee Way at Northlakes

Donnybrook Road at Donnybrook

Lindsay Road at Morayfield

Torrens Road at Kurwongbah

Lilley Road and Kremzow Road at Warner

Youngs Crossing Road at Joyner

J Dobson Road and Lindsay Road at Morayfield

Collins Road at Everton Hills

Toorbul Esplanade and Freeman Road at Toorbul

White Patch Esplanade at White Patch

RACQ Club spokesperson Renee Smith said across the State, the insurer received more than 11,000 claims in the past three years due to vehicle collisions with animals.

“Dusk and dawn are peak times for wildlife activity, so avoid being behind the wheel during those periods and you’ll reduce your risk of an animal strike.”

Ms Smith said if motorists saw an animal on the road, they should slow down – but warned time was not always on the driver’s side.