Beware deer on roads this time of year

October 10, 2017

The coming weeks will see a significant rise in the risk of collisions with deer, warns road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist as this is the time of year when deer will be breeding, a process which makes them more mobile and brings many more of them onto the roads.

Estimates indicate that up to 75,000 deer are killed in collisions each year on roads in the UK. The human death toll from deer collisions ranges between 10 and 20 annually, with more than 400 injuries, and industry estimates put the cost of damage to vehicles alone to be at least £17 million.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth says it’s at dawn and dusk when deer movements appear to peak. “We urge drivers to be on the look-out at all times, but to be particularly observant in the early mornings and early evenings. And it’s important to expect deer not just on rural lanes, but also on suburban roads, main roads and motorways.

“If you know your route takes you through areas where there are deer, then expect to see one – or more than one – on your journey. In that way, the presence of a deer on the road ahead will be less of a surprise and you will hopefully be able to avoid a collision.

“Take note of deer warning signs as they have been placed at locations where wild animal crossings are common. Once you have spotted a deer on the road, don’t speed up and assume the risk has passed. Chances are that there will be other deer close-by, all likely to be heading the same way.

“You may have only a very short reaction time available in a situation like this. But don’t swerve too hard to avoid hitting a deer. If a collision with the animal seems inevitable, then hit it while maintaining full control of your car. The alternative of swerving into oncoming traffic or a ditch could be even worse.

“Finally, if you hit a deer, stop somewhere safe and report the collision to the police, who can organise professional veterinary assistance,” he added.

Latest News

Toyota Corolla

Toyota’s 5,000,000th milestone in the UK

Toyota is celebrating the five millionth car to be built at its Burnaston
[...]
Skoda Karoq

Skoda Karoq gains a new Edition trim

Skoda is ramping up customer value once again with a comprehensive refresh of
[...]
Kia EV3 boot liner The Ocean Cleanup

Kia boot liner made from ocean plastic

Kia has developed the world’s first car accessory made from plastic extracted from
[...]
Nissan Ariya NISMO

Buckle up for the Nissan Ariya NISMO

It’s time to buckle up because from this Thursday, 17 October, customers can
[...]
Renault 4 E Tech

New Renault 4 is a nod to its heritage

With a nod to the past, the new Renault 4 E-Tech electric has
[...]
GEM deer warning

Keep a look-out for deer on the road

Road safety and breakdown organisation, GEM Motoring Assist, is warning drivers to be
[...]
VW California

Pop-up fun with latest VW California

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has unveiled the UK specifications for the new California campervan,
[...]
Billy Monger

Toyota helps keep Paralympics moving

In recent weeks the Olympic and Paralympic Games have been a major highlight
[...]
Dacia Spring

Special deals for all-new Dacia Spring

The Dacia Spring – the UK’s most affordable new electric car – is
[...]
Honda HR-V

Fresh look for Honda’s popular HR-V

Honda has refreshed its HR-V e:HEV model line-up with a purposeful facelift across
[...]
Hyundai Inster

Hyundai Inster goes on showroom tour

British customers will get their first chance to see Hyundai’s new Inster model
[...]
MG ZS Hybrid+

Order books open for new MG ZS Hybrid+

MG Motor UK has opened the order books for the all-new MG ZS
[...]
Mercedes AMG PureSpeed

Mercedes-AMG tests out its PureSpeed

Mercedes-AMG is commencing the final phase in the development of the highly exclusive
[...]
VW Golf GTI Clubsport

New VW Golf trims are available soon

The highest-performing versions of the new VW Golf can be ordered from August
[...]
Hyundai Santa Fe Chabak

Hyundai gears up for outdoor fun

From tent pitching to fire making, camping has long been an activity for
[...]
Volvo EX30 Core

A new entry-level Volvo EX30 model

Volvo is extending its UK EX30 range with the introduction of a new
[...]