1 week Ago
Drivers are being urged to be "deer aware" this spring. East Sussex County Council has launched its annual campaign to warn motorists about the increased risk of encountering deer on the roads in April and May. This is due to the birth of young deer during these months.
The council has advised drivers to slow down, stay alert, and be prepared to stop when they see a warning sign or are travelling through a heavily wooded area. Councillor Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment, said: "There’s estimated to be as many as 74,000 collisions with deer in the UK every year and the risk is greater on rural roads. "Collisions with deer can result in injury or death for animals and drivers, and significant damage to vehicles.
"I would urge people to take extra care on the county’s roads during the spring months and follow some simple steps to stay safe." Drivers are also advised to be particularly cautious at night and around dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Using full-beam headlights at night, if no other cars are around, can help as they will reflect the deer’s eyes.
However, drivers should dip their headlights when they see a deer to avoid startling it. Deer often travel in groups, so if drivers see one crossing the road, they should slow down and drive with caution as others may follow. Anyone who hits a deer is advised to stay calm, park in a safe place with hazard lights on, and call the police on 101, or 999 if someone is injured or the deer is in the road.
People should not approach or try to comfort an injured deer, as it may make the animal more distressed or cause it to run back into the road. More information and advice is available on the Deer Aware page on the council’s website..
