Around 74,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur annually in the UK, causing suffering to deer and risk to drivers. Understanding deer behaviour and driving adaptations reduces both harms.
Deer struck by vehicles frequently survive initial impact with severe injuries - broken legs, internal injuries, and shock. These animals may survive for hours or days in agony before dying or being found. A deer lying at a road verge that is still alive should be treated as a welfare emergency. Drivers who strike deer should stop safely, call police (who can arrange euthanasia), and not approach the animal. Preventive driving - reduced speed at dawn and dusk near woodland, readiness to brake on deer sign routes - reduces both collision frequency and severity. Where deer have created road casualty hotspots, reflective road posts tuned to deer vision frequency can reduce crossing at dangerous points.