Frequently asked questions

The RSPCA wildlife department has produced a factsheet on deer road traffic accidents (RTAs).

RTAs involving deer are common throughout the year, but especially during the rut – this is in autumn for fallow and red deer, and early summer for roe deer. The RSPCA is helping with research being carried out by the Deer Vehicle Collisions Project, into where collisions are most frequent and why. It is hoped that the information gathered will mean something can be done to prevent RTAs in future.

How drivers can help avoid accidents involving deer.

1. Take note of deer warning signs and drive with extreme caution at or below the speed limit. 
2. Use full-beam headlights when there is no traffic in front or coming towards you. The beam of the headlights will illuminate the eyes of the deer on or near a road and give you a better chance of avoiding them. If you spot a deer on the road, dim your headlights as animals startled by the bright light may be too frightened to leave the road and just ‘freeze’ instead. 
3. Don't swerve to avoid hitting a deer. The consequences of swerving into the path of oncoming traffic or into a ditch could be much worse. 
4. Only brake sharply and stop if there is no danger of being hit by traffic behind you. 
5. Report any collisions with deer to the police. They should have a list of contacts available to deal with injured deer at the roadside.

If you are involved in an accident involving an animal and are unsure what to do, call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line 0300 1234 999.

Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances, and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive. 
 

For more information about deer in the UK, please visit our deer page. 

Further useful information:

Types of deer in the United Kingdom

Young deer found alone