As the annual rutting season comes to an end, AA Accident Assist
can reveal that collisions involving deer have increased 42%
since the 2021 season*.
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.
Deer Strikes during Rutting Season
- 2021 – 195
- 2022 – 222
- 2023 – 242
- 2024 – 276
As well as an increase of deer strikes during rutting season,
there has been a year-on-year increase of drivers hitting deer.
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.
Annual Deer Strikes
- 2021 – 1,054
- 2022 – 1,197
- 2023 – 1,304
- 2023 (YTD) – 1,200
Drivers ignore the signs
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 one in 30 (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 drivers.
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.
AA Accident Assist is
on hand to help drivers arrange their vehicle repairs with just a
click on The AA App.
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***.
As part of 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.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Data taken from 1 January 2021 to 13 November 2024. Rutting
season statistics taken from deer strikes between 14 September
and 13 November each year.
** Yonder received 10,237 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 15th to 23rd October 2024. Yonder is a member of
the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
*** Data taken from DfT Road Safety Statistics: Collision
Analysis Tool; Collision Analysis Tool
(shinyapps.io)
