Report highlights road collisions with deer
A report has shown the number of vehicles hitting deer on Scotland’s roads has increased by 10%.
The report’s authors, Transport Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, are now warning motorists to be careful of deer on the road, particularly throughout the month of May, as this is the time of year young deer go out looking for new territories.
Warning messages are being displayed on digital signs across Perth and Kinross, as the study highlights the region as having particularly high levels of deer-related collisions. The report also highlights these tend to be in the evenings or early mornings.
Jamie Hammond, Scottish Natural Heritage’s deer management officer, said: “This report confirms what we suspected: that accidents involving deer are becoming more common as deer spread into new areas. For example,
Deer are on the move at this time of year, causing potential problems for motorists we are seeing more deer in we advise motorists to slow the central belt with more down and watch for deer trees being planted - a habitat crossing roads. which roe deer do well in. “Be aware that if you’re
“Particularly in peak times, driving near woods, deer can suddenly appear before you have time to brake. If you do hit a deer, report it to the police even if you’re uninjured and your car isn’t damaged, as the deer may be fatally injured and suffering.”
The report studied 4600 deer collisions, but estimates the true figure is probably closer to 9000 a year with up to 100 human injuries, because many instances go unreported.
The report advises drivers to not suddenly swerve to avoid hitting a deer, and to only brake sharply if there is no danger of being hit by oncoming traffic.
They also add to keep fullbeam lights on after dark if there is no other oncoming traffic, as this will illuminate deers’ eyes and give more time to react. However, it adds to dim headlights if you do spot an animal to avoid startling them.
The report warns drivers involved in a collision not to approach an injured deer, as it may still be dangerous.