By: John Westbury - February 2012
Photo by:  Julia Hansenn

When travelling in our van around the great downunder, I have a policy that I won't drive after 4:30pm for three reasons. Firstly, it's getting close to "beer o"clock", secondly I would like to be at a caravan park and settled down ready for "Happy Hour" and thirdly, it's time kangaroos and other animals become hungry.

While I am settled in at Happy Hour and looking forward to meal time so are our native animal friends. Usually after 4:30pm it's kangaroos that come out for their evening meal, some with their young. Many times they seem to like eating on the side of the road and even crossing from one side to the other where the grass is greener. On a straight stretch of road they are usually visible which is a good indicator for you to slow down as they can move at a moment's notice.

But there are times you may not see them until you are within metres of them. This photo, taken by a good WUD fan, Julia Hansenn, is a good example of what can happen around the corner. You are travelling at 70 to 80kmh and before you know it, around the corner, there they are and it's time for evasive action. Sometimes evasive action leads to accidents and even in the best case scenario a roo hitting a car can amount to thousands of dollars damage.

Our best tips are of course be off the road by 4:30pm or if you are still travelling take extra care and keep your speed down and eyes open. Of course it's not just kangaroos! In a rural area where I live, I notice recently several signs asking drivers to slow down as there are echidnas, wild duck with their young and even big blue tongue lizards crossing roads.

So, enjoy your Happy Hour and let our native friends enjoy their meal time.

By: John Westbury - February 2012