DRIVING TIPS FROM BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS
ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN - ONE GIANT LEAP FOR DEER!
According to the Deer Initiative, the partnership dedicated to sustainable deer population in the UK, deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs) in Britain may well exceed 74,000 each year*.
As a direct result of either hitting deer or taking avoiding action, it is estimated that around 700 people sustain personal injury, 120 of which are serious and up to 20 may lead to fatalities.
Over the past 20 years, an increase in deer numbers, as well as their distribution, combined with a rise in the volume of traffic, has meant that there is a much higher risk than ever before of unwary drivers being involved in a DVC.
According to Professor David Macdonald of Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), drivers really need to slow down and watch out, particularly when deer are more active in autumn and spring, and at dawn and dusk.
There is no guidance provided to drivers about deer in the current DfT’s editions of either ‘The Highway Code’ or ‘Know your Traffic Signs’ although the latter features many animals including sheep, cattle, frogs, horses etc, all of which have their own specific signs warning drivers’ of their presence.
Yet perversely, the triangular warning signs depicting a deer are not warning about deer specifically – only ‘wild animals’ in general.
Although collisions happen throughout the year, from October to January, the rise in risk is probably associated with increased deer movement during and after the rutting season. Rush hour tends to coincide with the period deer are most active -dawn and dusk -which only serves to increase the risks.
However, May is a critical time. With young males dispersing and females moving around with fawns, these fast-moving, powerful and unpredictable animals present an even greater risk to the motorist.
Awareness of the deer problem - particularly on rural roads where the majority of collisions happen - is the key. Drivers in DVC hot spots at certain times of both the day and night should expect not a single deer, but groups of them.
If you see one in the distance, the chances are by the time you reach that point there are likely to be others appearing in the carriageway at any moment.
Deer Aware Driving Tips:
- When you see the ‘Wild Animals’ sign (a deer in a red triangle) take the small step of thinking ‘deer’; lower your speed and raise your concentration and be particularly aware that a deer may leap from cover at any moment.
- At night, greenish reflections at the roadside may be the eyes of deer. Slow down.
- If you see one deer crossing the road – expect others to follow.
- If you do encounter deer in the road, remain focussed. Hitting a deer head on may be preferable to a tree or an oncoming vehicle.
- Be careful when approaching an injured deer. They are extremely powerful animals and their back legs can lash out with tremendous force.
Get Advanced training – take advantage of the IAM’s ‘Skill for Life’ advanced driving course which will teach you the skills needed to increase not only your MPG – but your driving skills.
For more information on becoming an Advanced Driver, telephone 07071 201173 or email
