Drivers warned to beware of deer as number of collisions rises to 9,000 a year

UP to 100 people in Scotland are injured every year in collisions between motor vehicles and deer, with nearly 25 incidents every day on average, it has been revealed.

Naturescot yesterday warned drivers to slow down and look out for the animals as incidents of deervehicle collisions (DVCS) usually increase in late May and June.

Motorists are also urged to beware of young deer on roads as they disperse to find new territories.

Research shows there are up to 9,000 collisions between motor vehicles and deer every year in Scotland – nearly 25 per day – with between 50 and 100 people injured.

The majority of collisions take place in early evening through to midnight, with another peak occurring from 6am to 9am.

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

Jamie Hammond, Naturescot’s wildlife management officer, said: “Particularly in peak times, we advise motorists to slow down and watch for deer crossing roads.

“Be aware that 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 fatally injured and suffering.”

People are also warned not to approach an injured deer as it may be dangerous.

Over the past 50 years, wild deer in Scotland have increased their range and numbers, while the volume of road traffic has almost doubled in the same period.

This combination has led to higher DVC rates across the country, with the greatest increase in Aberdeenshire, Fife and the central belt.

This corresponds with the rise in the number of roe deer, which are highly adaptable to lowland habitats.

The combined economic cost of vehicle-deer collisions, through injuries and damage to vehicles, has been estimated at £7 million.