Motorists urged to be wary of deer dangers

Drivers in the UK are being warned to be alert to the dangers of wild deer on the road this summer following a number of collisions in recent weeks.

The Highways Agency and the Deer Initiative – which sustainably manages England’s wild deer population - are raising awareness of the problem which leads to more than 70,000 collisions between deer and vehicles every year on UK roads.

Chairman for the Deer Initiative, Jane Rabagliati says: “Deer vehicle collisions not only cause injury and stress to drivers but there is also a welfare issue for the deer.”

Stuart Lovatt, Highways Agency safety action plan coordinator, adds: “Collisions with deer can cause serious injuries or fatalities to motorcyclists or drivers and passengers and at the very least can result in lane and carriageway closures disrupting people’s journeys.

“The key message to road users is to be on the alert and be prepared for spotting a deer in the carriageway and slow down if you see signs warning of the possibility of deer crossings.”

Tips on avoiding a collision with a deer:

• Use full-beam headlights where possible, but dip them if you see deer as they may ‘freeze’.

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