Deer strikes rise as half of drivers don’t heed warning signs

Fleets are being warned that collisions involving deer have increased 42% since 2021 during the rutting season.

New research from AA Accident Assist, reveals that between mid-September to early November this year, 276 AA members hit a deer, compared to 195 over the same period in 2021. 

There has been an annual increase in deer strikes throughout the rutting season, with 222 incidents in 2022 and 242 last year.

As well as an increase of deer strikes during rutting season, there has been a year-on-year increase of drivers hitting deer, reports AA Accident Assist. 

There were just over a thousand incidents in 2021 (1,054), compared to 1,304 in 2023. So far 1,200 drivers have crashed into deer this year.

In a poll of 10,000 drivers carried out last month by AA Accident Assist, only half (51%) of drivers say they slow down and are more vigilant when coming across a deer warning sign. 

Two fifths (39%) of drivers continue at the same speed, while trying to be more aware, 6% slow down and 3% carry on driving as normal. 

These findings are concerning, not just for the unnecessary loss of life to wild deer, but due to the financial cost to fleets and drivers.

To coincide with Road Safety Week, AA Accident Assist is reminding drivers about the dangers of animals, especially deer, in the road while advising them to both slow down and be extra vigilant in the autumn period. 

It is also informing drivers what actions they should take if they hit a deer, including stopping safely and getting help for the animal if needed.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “Deer are wonderful animals, yet sadly too many are needlessly hit or killed on our roads. With half of drivers not taking animal warning signs into consideration, we need to better understand the realities of animal strikes.

“While clearly shocking and distressful for both animal and driver, deer strikes can cause hundreds even thousands of pounds worth of damage.

“Rutting season has come to an end, but throughout November and December, we will still see deer run across the roads. Drivers need to slow down and look out for wildlife to protect both the animal and themselves.” 

Due to their size, hitting a deer at speed can cause significant damage to a vehicle including smashed windscreens, broken front wings and bumpers as well as engine and bonnets being broken. 

Aside from the physical damage to cars, deer strikes can prove fatal. Between 2021 and 2023, six people died due to their vehicle hitting an animal or swerving to avoid it, with 302 people being seriously injured and 659 slightly injured.

Find out from Fleet News how to minimise cost and downtime with a robust incident management strategy.