Advice to help reduce collisions between motorists and deer in Scotland

Drivers in Scotland are being given advice to help avoid collisions with deer.

According to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), collisions between deer and vehicles soar at this time of year. When traffic volume is taken into account, the risk of such collisions is almost twice as high in Scotland as in England, it says.

SNH highlights estimates of more than 10,000 deer-related motor vehicle accidents taking place in Scotland annually, causing, on average, about 70 serious human injuries.

‘The risk of accidents is particularly high at this time of year. With shorter days and the clock change, the time when deer are feeding on road verges at night overlaps with peak commuting times. I’d strongly urge motorists to slow down and keep a careful watch for deer crossing roads,’ said SNH’s deer management officer Jamie Hammond.

‘If you slow down or stop for one deer, be aware that more deer may follow the first so keep your speed down and be alert. Turn off your full beams, as deer may be startled and start to freeze.’

About 70 per cent of vehicle-deer collisions in Scotland occur on trunk roads or motorways, according to SNH.

To help tackle the situation, electronic variable messaging signs at key locations on main trunk roads in Scotland such as the A9, A835, A82 and A87 are currently warning motorists of potential problems with deer.

The SNH says any deer-vehicle collisions should be reported to the police.