Hit a Roo Driving Back from Holidays

cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:10
Last edited 07/07/2021 - 10:12 by 1 other user

Just wanted to see what everyone would have done in my situation.

Driving back from holidays on a Sunday night, around 5.30pm so it was getting dark plus slight drizzle and fog. There were about 3 cars ahead of me, 3 cars behind, all travelling at 80 which was the speed limit. Roo decides to cross the road and lucky me gets close and personal with my front grille. I stopped and assessed the damage (Roo got up and hopped away into the night), and apart from a soccer ball sized-hole in the plastic grille, and a very slight dent in the radiator, there didn't seem to be anything wrong. No fluids leaking, engine was still running and sounded fine. I then drove about 10kms to the next town where we stopped for dinner. When I turned the car on again, again the engine was running fine but the malfunction light came on so we decided not to drive any further.

My family and I were stranded about 150kms/2.5 hours from home on a Sunday night (about 7.30 pm by this time), tired after a full day of activities, having to work the next day, etc. - was wondering what you would have done in the same situation. Suggestions offered at the time were:

  1. Take a chance and drive home and deal with the insurance claim the next day
  2. Get a local mechanic to inspect the car/temporary fix and then drive home
  3. Call roadside assist to inspect and either drive car home / organise a tow
  4. Call insurance and organise the tow / transport home that night
  5. Leave the car and take a taxi home (local taxi company quoted $400) and do the insurance claim the next day
  6. Stay in a local motel for the night, and then do the insurance claim / organise a tow / transport home the next day

p.s. I called my roadside assist they said they wouldn't attend because it was an accident, not a breakdown and to call your insurance instead. Maybe I could have just said it was a breakdown… caused by a Roo.

p.s. ah dammit, buggered up the poll… sorry everyone :)

EDIT: Thank you everyone for your responses! Very interesting to see that according to the poll, there are a lot of risk takers on OzB! :)

Poll Options

  • 86
    Take a chance and drive home and deal with the insurance claim the next day
  • 5
    Get a local mechanic to inspect the car/temporary fix and then drive home
  • 5
    Call roadside assist to inspect and either drive car home / organise a tow
  • 5
    Call insurance and organise the tow / transport home that night
  • 2
    Leave the car and take a taxi home (local taxi company quoted $400) and do the insurance claim the n
  • 7
    Stay in a local motel for the night, and then do the insurance claim / organise a tow / transport ho
  • 23
    Post about it on Ozbargain, supply MS Paint diagram to insurance, call bikies to drive us home, use
Automotive

Comments

  • boomramada on 06/07/2021 - 11:13
    +19

    You did the correct thing, post it on Ozb.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:14
      +2

      Haha in hindsight, that is the first thing that I should have done…

    • Chris Topher on 06/07/2021 - 18:24

      A photo should have been on Social Media by 5:40PM on Sunday night.

  • SF3 on 06/07/2021 - 11:14

    Thanks.

    I suggest a poll.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:16

      Done!

      Edit: Ah bugger, poll options got truncated… can't edit it now. :(

  • sempro on 06/07/2021 - 11:21
    +5

    If no leaks (coolant or oil), steering rack not bent, or no airbags deployed and only cosmetic damage, then I would carry on.

    Deal with the insurance company at your earliest convenience or not.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:33
      +2

      Thanks… that was my first preference as well….

      My only concern was that if there was more damage caused by continuing to drive, then the insurance might not cover the claim.
      I checked the PDS and this is what it says:

      Your policy does not cover your for:
      * mechanical damage arising from you knowingly driving your car in a damaged condition

      • 87percent on 06/07/2021 - 13:46
        -6

        you're not a mechanic, so how can you know if your car has been damaged?

        • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 13:57
          +12

          Dunno… the big hole in the front and the malfunction light on the dash, maybe?

  • beeawwb on 06/07/2021 - 11:30
    +2

    I'd have taken a chance and driven home. If car makes it home, no issues. If car doesn't make it home, then you can call the insurance company and have them organise tow and maybe depending on your policy a taxi or hire car or something.

    That said: Mechanic for temporary fix would probably be a safe bet, and might even be covered under some policies (look for wording like "Emergency" or "Temporary" repairs) again depending on the company / policy / etc.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:39

      Sounds like a solid plan. However, my other party members were concerned about potentially breaking down in the middle of nowhere vs already being in a town…

      • beeawwb on 06/07/2021 - 11:51

        Yep, can understand the anxiety around not getting stranded in the middle of nowhere rather than being stranded in a town. At the end of the day you do whatever your personal level of risk appetite dictates, and every situation is going to be different. What "we" might do in a similar situation is always going be benefitted by hindsight and won't necessarily be what was considered "best" at the time you were experiencing it.

        • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:59
          +2

          That's true… we actually ended up staying at a motel and then organising the tow the next morning. And my dad drove out to pick us up. I think was probably the best decision for us at the time, being with a tired family, dark outside on a Sunday night with nothing open…

          But now having the benefit of hindsight and a clear rational mind, I'm wondering what would have been the optimal decision or if I could have done anything better… hence the reason for the post. Some good suggestions in this thread already!

          • beeawwb on 06/07/2021 - 12:04

            @cuteseal: Reading between the lines of your above post about your PDS, I'm thinking you're with Woolworths Car Insurance? Google suggests that particular wording is part of their PDS and I can't find that specific phrase in any others. In which case I think the "Essential Repairs - up to $500" section (page 15) would be the one I'd have been looking at in that situation.

            Assuming you were able to get somebody to get the error code checked out and cleared / diagnosed to enable you to move on for under $500 (and I'm not saying that you'd have been able to, it's a big IF at 7:30 on a Sunday), that'd be the ideal. Peace of mind that you've done the right thing (or peace of mind that you should have stayed put!), but back on the road without staying overnight.

            • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 12:09

              @beeawwb: Yeah you guessed right! I think a mechanic would have been a solid suggestion if it weren't on a Sunday night in a country town.

              Incidentally, I've only been with AAMI in the past and was used to getting prompt service over the phone, but there was quite a long wait time for Woolies which added to the stress of the situation. Although when I did get through the people were both very friendly, professional and helpful.

  • holdenmg on 06/07/2021 - 11:31
    +1

    Did you ask the Roo for Name and Address?
    (sorry the furry, all Roo's look the same won't fly). lol

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:40
      +3

      The bugger scampered off before I could get his license details. Maybe I should lodge a police complaint about hit and run…

      • holdenmg on 06/07/2021 - 11:41
        +2

        …and breath test the Roo.

      • Euphemistic on 06/07/2021 - 14:33
        +3

        Hit and hop?

      • Screamingeagle on 06/07/2021 - 15:24
        +1

        Mr Roo

        • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 15:36

          Haha I so want to try this with my insurance but I don’t think it will fly with them…

  • Muzeeb on 06/07/2021 - 11:32
    +5

    I would have plugged in my Bluetooth OBD2 adapter and used the torque app on my phone to assess the error code that threw the CEL on.

    Depending on the code thrown I would have carried on keeping an eye on the live data fed to my phone.

    Then I would have had a good night's sleep,then callup work and said I was unavailable and got that shit sorted.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:40
      +1

      Damn… didn't think of that! Unfortunately my ODB2 adapter was on my other car…

      • mapax on 06/07/2021 - 11:49
        +1

        Depending on the car you can also use a jumper wire to pull basic codes or sometimes a sequence of pedal/control manipulations if you don’t have a reader. The CEL will flash to indicate the code number. You would need to have printed out the list of codes and keep it in your glovebox or car emergency kit, or have it saved on your phone.

        • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:51

          My MacGyver instincts failed me this time… thanks for the suggestion.

        • Muzeeb on 06/07/2021 - 11:51

          I see you drive a commy

  • mapax on 06/07/2021 - 11:33
    +2

    I would have pulled the codes to see why there was a CEL, it’s more than likely it would be something minor and then I’d drive home.
    Then again, there’s a reason I always fit a bullbar, it’s to reduce the likelihood of situations like this.

    Edit- beaten by ms paint.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 11:41

      Good suggestion, thanks. Next time….

    • Muzeeb on 06/07/2021 - 11:52
      +2

      Edit- beaten by ms paint.

      For the record that's not what she said

  • shaybisc on 06/07/2021 - 11:53
    +2

    I'm paranoid about driving at dawn and dusk in roo country so that's my answer.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 12:28

      Yes very thankful we were all safe and unhurt, and that the damage was relatively minor. Could have been much worse!

      • 87percent on 06/07/2021 - 13:48

        about 10 years ago, my uncle had to go to Canberra and decided to drive there. Half way there, a roo jumped into his car and absolutely smashed the front of the car. It honestly looked like he smashed into another car. His car was written off

  • Mechz on 06/07/2021 - 12:07
    +1

    Definitely stay in a local motel and get it sorted the next day.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 12:30

      Thanks - we ended up doing this! Although the only accommodation available ended up being shared dormitory bunks, which was another adventure in itself! Memories!

  • Cheeper on 06/07/2021 - 12:47
    +1

    I would have grabbed a torch and had a good look under the bonnet.
    I carry an OBDII device in my car for situations like this, they are cheap so why not. It helps to know what the fault code is and you can look up what caused it.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 12:50
      +1

      Thank you… it didn't cross my mind but you are right. I should have one as part of my essential toolkit.

      • Cheeper on 06/07/2021 - 12:52

        I just read the other comments and saw you have an OBDII device but not in that car. Sorry.
        Roos are a menace and I have had some very close calls with them but have not hit one yet.. touch wood.

        • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 13:07

          Here's hoping your streak continues!
          I've had a few close calls too over the years but this is the first time I've actually hit one.
          Thankfully it appeared to be a small one… I imagine if it was one of the large ones, or if it had gone through the windscreen we might be having a different conversation.

  • Yummy on 06/07/2021 - 12:54
    +1

    Next time buy this & stick em.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 12:58

      Thanks for the suggestion… interesting conversation here about them:
      https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/875363

      • Yummy on 06/07/2021 - 17:26

        Drove back and forth Syd-Mel a few years ago. No kamikaze animals. I guess its working for me.

        • Euphemistic on 06/07/2021 - 18:12

          https://abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/kangaroo-whistles/

          Don’t work.

          even if they are worth an experiment at a few bucks there are lots of variables to setting them up. You really need to experiment with placement on the car to make them most effective, but how would you do that? Can’t hear them, can’t test if the work. Then they won’t work at slow speed and they probably clog up with dust and bugs.

  • Donaldhump on 06/07/2021 - 13:02

    I would have timed my day better to not be driving through fog at dusk where kangaroos are.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 13:05
      +1

      Thank you, and noted.

      • Donaldhump on 06/07/2021 - 13:05
        -1

        dont worry i hit pone going 80km an hour in the middle of the day, car and kangaroo destroyed.

        • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 13:09

          Wow, that's bad luck!! Assume you/occupants were ok?
          I was saying with one of the replies above, I'm thankful it was a small roo and the damage was relatively minor. Could have been much worse…

          • Donaldhump on 06/07/2021 - 13:14

            @cuteseal: Yeh we were fine, kangaroos can destroy you though… im sure you know :)

  • bazingaa on 06/07/2021 - 13:24

    what did you actually do ?

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 13:52
      +1

      My initial instinct was to chance it and drive home, but after discussion with the other members of the party we decided to stay a night at the local accommodation. It turned out the only available rooms were shared dormitory rooms, which was an adventure in itself!

      Spent about 2 hours on the phone that night lodging the the insurance claim and organising a tow for the next morning, and then my dad came and picked us up and all our luggage after it got towed. Ended up missing most of a day of work but all worked out well in the end.

      • bazingaa on 06/07/2021 - 15:58

        what happened to the car? I mean the final diagnosis from the mechanic. Any major repairs to be done ?

        • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 16:31

          Still sitting in at the towing yard unfortunately, it's going to to repairer/assessor tomorrow.

  • mmack on 06/07/2021 - 13:29
    +6

    the malfunction light came on

    Do you drive an Audi? This is a standard feature and nothing to worry about.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 13:55

      Haha very true! I wasn't in the Audi for this trip but yeah if I sneeze and look at it funny the Automatic Start/Stop System Unavailable warning will come on!

  • Euphemistic on 06/07/2021 - 14:36
    +5

    If you don’t have mechanical knowledge it’s best to stop. If you can assess the engine bay and determine nothing is broken or leaking much and the engine sounds and performs close to normally keep driving regardless of engine light showing but being alert for weird noises and keeping a close eye on the temp gauge.

    The check engine light doesn’t always mean ‘broken can’t drive’, sometimes it’s just a sensor exceeded the limits but everything else has returned to normal and the dealer wants a wad of your cash.

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 14:43

      Thank you, that sounds like very prudent advice.

  • pegaxs on 06/07/2021 - 15:55
    +1

    According to most of the people on this site, you are partially to blame, because you should have just let the kangaroo merge…

    • Muzeeb on 06/07/2021 - 16:01
      +3

      But the OP had right of way

      • pegaxs on 06/07/2021 - 17:03
        +2

        *tRiGGeReD*

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 16:36
      +1

      Haha, but the Roo didn't use his indicators… am I still to blame?

    • cuteseal on 06/07/2021 - 17:27
      +2

      Haha just read the other thread and watched the video, and get the reference now… good thing the roo didn’t come up to me and tried to punch on!

  • Lastchancetosee on 07/07/2021 - 10:16
    +1

    Same thing happened to our family back in the early 70s, driving home from Smiggins Holes. It was freezing, literally, as it had snowed, and not a car on the road. No mobile phones or Internet then, so Dad opted to drive us back to Canberra. He was a good mechanic (used to service our cars), so it was a measured risk, and in those days there were no electronics to worry about.

    It's phenomenal how much damage a roo can do to a car, even when driving at low speeds.

    • cuteseal on 08/07/2021 - 11:06

      Geez, yeah I what we'd do without mobile phones!?!

  • megadeth on 07/07/2021 - 18:18
    +1

    We brushed a roo on our way from Darwin to Sydney @around 80km/h) about 150km from Cairns - yeah, we took the scenic route!). Big dent on the bumper, bonnet, front side panel. Headlight smashed but lamp was working (shooting sideways though). Mechanically the car was drivable and we drove it over the course of next two weeks to Sydney. Dealt with the insurance claim within the next month or so. You’ll have to pay the excess and your no claim bonus may go away if you don’t have a protection in place. BTW i am a mechanical engineer and have been servicing my personal cars for last 8-9 years (cus they don’t pay us enough! :). I won’t recommend people to do it unless they have no other option available.

    • cuteseal on 08/07/2021 - 10:58

      Our stories sound pretty similar only seems like yours happened at the start of a trip whereas mine was at the end. Oh and you know your way around cars and I don't. Thanks for sharing! :)

  • Zachary on 27/07/2021 - 00:21
    -2

    i guess thats what bullbars are for….

    • Euphemistic on 27/07/2021 - 07:40

      You’d do better with a roo bar.

      • Zachary on 07/08/2021 - 03:30
        -1

        Wait, there are actual bars designed for this or you pulling my leg? Thought bullbars were the only one of its kind…

        • Euphemistic on 07/08/2021 - 05:59

          When I was a kid in a different state we used to Call them roo bars. Might be one of those odd things that have a different name around Aus.

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