That’s the advice from the head of research for NRMA Insurance, Robert McDonald.

Mr McDonald said if you see a kangaroo on or near the road, you should try and brake, but do not swerve, to avoid a collision.

While motorists are afforded some protection in their vehicle, Mr McDonald said kangaroos pose a big threat to motorcyclists.

Mr McDonald’s advice comes following the tragic death of Bathurst motorbike rider George Fulthorpe. He is believed to have died after trying to avoid another motorbike which apparently tried to avoid a kangaroo on the Mid Western Highway on Monday evening.

Mr McDonald says there isn’t a lot of options for motorcyclists when confronted with a kangaroo. His advice was to keep the motorbike as straight as possible and possibly point the bike somewhere the animal isn’t, although he said this is no guarantee, as clearly the animal can move quickly in any direction.

“The problem is animals, and kangaroos in particular are very unpredictable, and unless you knock off speed at the right time, there aren’t a lot of options for riders,” he said.

“In a car, you can hit the animal and usually get away without seriously injuring yourself, but if you hit a kangaroo on a bike, it will knock you off,” he said.

Mr McDonald said riders should avoid swerving at all costs, due to risk of colliding with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

In addition to being the head of research for NRMA, Mr McDonald said he had personally spent over 35 years riding out west and said riders really need to be aware of the dangers posed by kangaroos and other animals.

“Rural roads need to be treated as if it’s raining – riders need to slow down because it’s harder to stop and there is less time to see things coming,” he said.

“Even a big bird on the road can be a huge problem. I would try and clear the road using the horn before you get there,” he said.