Be Deer Aware: Advice to motorists in the event of a collision with a deer on a Hampshire road

According to The British Deer Society, it is estimated that annually the number of deer killed or injured on UK roads is likely to exceed 40,000 and may well be nearer 74,000. Deer Vehicle Collisions (DVC) present one of the main causes of mortality among wild deer populations in the UK.

A high proportion of deer which are hit by cars are not killed outright: many must be put down at the roadside, while others escape to die later of their injuries. Yearly, UK DVC cause substantial damage to cars and numerous human injuries and fatalities.

In 2023, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary recorded 457 collisions involving deer. Of these, 114 were attended by our Humane Animal Dispatch volunteers (HAD).

The deployment of a HAD ensures an animal does not suffer unnecessarily, and the dispatch is managed as effectively and humanely as possible. All HADs are experts on deer management, which enables police to have the right resource at the right situation, giving confidence to police, animal welfare organisations and the public.   

Local data shows that DVC reports peaked in November, with the second highest month being May, but you could hit a deer at any time of the year.

We want to share the following advice so motorists can be deer aware:

Beware during peak danger periods

Highest-risk times tend to be sunset-midnight & the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

Drive with caution

During peak danger periods or on roads where hitting a deer is a possibility, drive with caution and be on the lookout for deer near the road.

Seen one? Look for another.

Be aware that more deer may well cross after the one you have noticed.

Use your lights

After dark use full-beam when there's no opposing traffic. BUT, when a deer or other animal is noted on the road, dim your headlights. Startled animals may ‘freeze’ rather than leave the road.

Don’t over-swerve to avoid hitting a deer

If a collision with the animal seems inevitable, then hitting it while maintaining full control of your car is the safest option. The alternative of swerving into oncoming traffic or off of the road surface could be a lot worse. Motorcyclists are at particular risk when in direct collisions with animals.

Look out for traffic behind you

Only brake sharply and stop if there is no danger of being hit by following traffic, and use your hazard lights.       

Visit The British Deer Society website for information on the different ways to report a DVC, and what to do in the event that you hit a deer: https://bds.org.uk/information-advice/issues-with-deer/advice-for-drivers/