Deer collision road safety campaign underway

A road safety campaign advising drivers to look out for red deer on Highland roads has been launched.

Deer-vehicle collisions typically increase at this time of year with shorter days and as red deer move down to lower ground to find food and shelter. Red deer stags in particular may be tempted to richer feeding grounds to recover following their rutting activity.

NatureScot is working with Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland to put alerts on fixed electronic variable message signs (VMS) at dawn and dusk, reminding drivers of the risk of deer on the road.

Messaging will be in place along trunk roads in the main red deer range in the Highlands, as well as in Grampian and Argyll, until the end of November. This includes the A9, A99, A835, A87, A82, A83, A85 and A96.

This year, a particular focus will be at Lochend on the A82 at Loch Ness after reports of an increase in collisions between red deer and vehicles. Mobile variable message signs will be in place here throughout November, cautioning drivers to slow down and be alert for deer.

Speed monitoring will also be in place for a week before and after use of the signs at Lochend, to gauge whether the signage is having an impact on vehicle speeds.

Dominic Sargent, NatureScot Deer Policy Officer, said:

“Public safety is a key part of our wider work with partners to reduce deer impacts across Scotland, particularly in the areas where we know those impacts are highest.

“These warning messages are an important reminder to drivers to be ‘deer aware’, particularly at peak collision times around dawn and dusk, when deer are more likely to venture on to grass verges near roadsides as they browse and feed.

“Simply slowing down and being alert to the possibility of deer can really help to reduce the likelihood of collisions.”

Angus Corby, Transport Scotland Landscape and Biodiversity Manager, added:

“We continue to work closely with colleagues in NatureScot and our contractors to assess the extent and impact of deer-vehicle collisions across Scotland’s trunk roads, and to determine where mitigation is most needed.

“This work is a vital part of the overall management of the network for the reliability of these strategic transport routes and the safety of those using them. It is also important for the welfare of the wild deer which are an intrinsic part of the landscape.

Tips for reducing the risk of a deer-vehicle collision:

• Particularly in peak times, slow down and watch for deer at the roadside or crossing roads. Be aware that along wooded or heavily vegetated verges, deer can appear suddenly, leaving little time for you to react.
• Try not to swerve to avoid hitting a deer. This can cause a loss of vehicle control or a collision into oncoming traffic.
• Only brake 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 deer as possible to allow it/them to leave the roadside without panic, and use your hazard warning lights.
• After dark, use full-beams when there is no oncoming traffic, as this will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and give you more time to react. But dim your headlights when you see a deer or other animal on the road so you don’t startle it.
• Report any deer-vehicle collisions to the police, who will contact a local person who can best help with an injured deer at the roadside. Even if you’re uninjured and your car isn’t damaged, the deer may be fatally injured and suffering. Do not approach an injured deer yourself – you are unlikely to be able to help it and it may injure you.