Watch out for deer, drivers warned

Drivers are being warned to beware of deer crossing trunk roads in Renfrewshire.

The deer rutting season is at its peak and Scotland TranServ has flagged up the A737 at Johnstone, and between Howwood and Kilwinning, as hotspots for deer strikes.

Temporary signage has been erected at eight key deer collision sites.

In Scotland there are around 9,000 collisions per year, resulting in up to 100 human injuries, with the total cost of material damage and injury thought to be around £9.5million.

Roe deer are increasingly becoming established within urban areas, in large towns and cities including Paisley.

Scotland TranServ’s Isla Davidson said: “October and November is the rutting season for the larger deer species when adult males challenge each other for breeding rights.

“Deer are active around sunrise and sunset which, at this time of year, coincides with the peak commuter time when there are likely to be more vehicles on the road.

“Their darker winter coats make deer particularly difficult to spot, so please be extra vigilant as they can appear without warning out of the fields and woodland that border much of the region’s road network.”

Top driving tips are:

 Be extra vigilant where you see ‘deer’ road signs

 Us e high- beam headlights when it’s dark, but dip them if you see a deer, otherwise it may freeze in your path

 Don’t over- react or swerve excessively. It’s safer to continue on your normal track.