School kids across the state are being encouraged to take part in a competition to design a mock billboard that educates communities to look out for wildlife on roads.The competition developed by NRMA Motoring & Services in partnership with Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo will be available to students in years three to six in NSW and the ACT. Each billboard must include a representation of animals and a road safety tip. The winning school class will receive a ZoosnooZ sleepover experience for up to 30 students.Statistics sourced from the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Incorporated (WIRES) found in NSW around 2.5 million animals are killed by motor vehicles each year – that’s almost 7000 animals a day.*NRMA Group CEO Tony Stuart said the statistic acted as a reminder to slow down, take notice of all road signs and watch the road carefully.“Often these accidents happen at dawn and dusk when many animals are on the move and drivers are at a disadvantage because of poor light, making it hard to see animals on or approaching the road,” Mr Stuart said.“Our aim is help increase the safety of all road users, whether they are human or one of our furry friends. This activity will help schools meet the needs of the Science and Technology syllabus while making it fun and interesting for students to learn.”Taronga Zoo Experience and Learning Manager, Paul Maguire said he hoped the new road safety program will challenge children to learn more about the behaviour of animals and how to take care of them if injured on our roads.To learn more about Australian wildlife, students can also participate in a video conference with a zoo keeper to ask questions about the animals and fact sheets can be downloaded from the mynrma website.The NRMA are proud partners of Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in helping endangered Australian nocturnal animals.Competition closes 28 September 2012. Visit: mynrma.com.au/wildlifecomp