As the number of road accidents involving deer peak during the winter months, motorists in Scotland are being urged to report deer collisions. The DeerAware campaign undertakes research into such accidents and has also compiled the following tips to help motorists avoid a collision.
Do take note of deer warning signs
Such signs are positioned only where animal crossings are very likely – They could happen anywhere
Drive with caution
During danger periods or on roads where hitting a deer is a possibility, drive with caution at or below the posted speed limit.
Beware during peak danger periods
Peaks in deer related traffic collisions occur October to December, but also in May. Highest-risk times are from sunset to midnight, and the hours shortly before and after sunrise.
Seen one? look for another
Be aware that further deer may well cross after the one you have noticed, particularly during the mating season, but also where deer are in herds.
Use your lights
After dark, do use full-beams when there is no opposing traffic. The headlight beam will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and provide greater driver reaction time. BUT, when a deer or other animal is noted on the road, dim your headlights as animals startled by the beam may ‘freeze’ rather than leaving the road.
Don’t over-swerve 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. An exception here may be motorcyclists, who are at particular risk when in direct collisions with animals.
Cars behind you
Only break sharply and stop if there is no danger of being hit by following traffic. Try to come to a stop as far in front of the animals as possible to enable it to leave the roadside without panic.
Report Collisions
Report any deer-vehicle collisions to the police (who should be able to contact the local person best placed to assist with an injured deer at the roadside) and when you are able to, fill in the short form on the DeerAware website.