100 drivers a year injured in collisions with deer

UP TO 100 people a year are injured in collisions between vehicles and deer in Scotland – with nearly 25 incidents a day, research shows.

Natural heritage body NatureScot yesterday warned drivers to slow down and be on the lookout for the animals on roads as incidents of deervehicle collisions usually increase in late May and June.

A study found there are up to 9,000 collisions between vehicles and deer every year in Scotland. Most of the accidents happen between early evening and midnight, with another peak from 6am to 9am.

Around 40 per cent of incidents occur on A-class trunk roads or motorways.

NatureScot wildlife management officer Jamie Hammond said: ‘If you’re 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 injured and suffering.’

The economic cost of vehicledeer collisions in Scotland, through human injuries and significant damage to vehicles, has been put at £7million.