Deer-vehicle collisions kill thousands of deer and injure hundreds of people annually in the UK, with wildlife fencing, underpasses, and reflectors offering welfare improvements.
Deer struck by vehicles suffer severe trauma including multiple fractures, internal injuries, and spinal damage. Many survive the initial impact in a severely injured state, unable to flee, and die slowly unless euthanised. Injured deer found by the public cannot legally be killed by non-permit holders in most circumstances, creating distressing delays. Prevention through infrastructure is more welfare-effective than post-collision response.