Deer accidents soar as clocks turn back

Deer-vehicle collisions soar at this time of year, the Deer Commission for Scotland is warning motorists. As we turn our clocks back, red deer are also, at this time of year, moving down from the hills as night falls. This combination could be fatal. Electronic variable messaging signs will warn motorists at key locations such as the A82, A9, A835 and A87 of the ‘high risk of deer on road.’ The electronic messages were posted on 19 October and run for two weeks. There are more than 10,000 deer-related motor vehicle accidents every year in Scotland, on average causing about 70 serious human injuries and two to three deaths. The economic value of these accidents is £5 million.

Many people think most accidents with deer occur on remote Highland roads; in fact, 70 percent occur on trunk roads or motorways. Jamie Hammond, deer officer for the Deer Commission for Scotland, said:“Accidents are particularly high now, because dusk and the peak commuting times coincide. Deer are more likely to be feeding near or on road verges at this time. We urge motorists to slow down and watch for deer crossing in front of traffic.”