Drivers warned of increased risk of roe deer collisions on Scotland's roads

Motorists have been urged to watch out for roe deer on Scotland’s roads amid a heightened risk of summer collisions.

Road crashes involving deer typically increase in late May and early June, as young roe deer spread out to look for their own territories.

Collisions are most likely to occur around dusk, but can also occur before and after sunrise.

Figures show there are more than 3,000 recorded collisions between motorists and deer across Scotland each year and many more are likely to go unreported.

Dominic Sargent from Nature Scot said: “Many high-risk areas are around road junctions and major interchanges, predominantly in the central belt.

“Roe deer can be attracted to small areas of woodland and scrub near to roads where they can shelter, feed and even have their young.

“Our campaign will remind drivers in these areas to be alert and slow down to help reduce the likelihood of collisions.

“We’re also continuing to explore other options for mitigating the risk, including working with local landowners and investigating the use of roadside animal detection systems.”

Electronic road sign for deer warning Nature Scot

Until June 19, alerts on electronic variable message signs (VMS) will remind drivers of the risk of deer on the road this spring.

Drivers are advised not to suddenly swerve before hitting a deer and only brake sharply and stop if there is no danger of being hit by following traffic.

Motorists are urged to try to come to a stop as far away from the animals as possible to allow them to leave the roadside without panic, and use their hazard warning lights.

Drivers are urged to report any deer-vehicle collisions to the police, who will contact the local person who can best help with an injured deer at the roadside. They should not approach an injured deer themselves as it may be dangerous.

Angus Corby, Transport Scotland’s landscape and biodiversity manager, said: “Reducing the risk of deer-vehicle-collisions across Scotland’s Trunk Road Network is a real challenge, and Transport Scotland is pleased to continue our important partnership with NatureScot to tackle the issue.

“We are working closely together to establish and maintain a picture of the high-risk areas across the country, so we can focus our mitigation efforts and make them as effective as possible, both for road-user safety as well as the welfare of the deer.”