*Accidents involving deer peak in May, October and November.
The worst times of day are around sunrise and sunset to midnight.
*Some areas have bigger problems than others. Hotspots include: A134 in Thetford Forest, A22 in Ashdown Forest, B4506 in Ashridge Forest, A4136 in the Forest of Dean, and M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth.
*Be extra vigilant where you see ‘deer’ or ‘wild animal’ road signs.
*A deer can appear almost instantly – nature makes them hard to see.
*Use high-beam headlights (without dazzling other drivers) when it’s dark, but dip them if you see a deer, otherwise it may freeze in your path.
*Don’t over-react or swerve excessively. It’s safer to continue on your normal track rather than swerving or braking hard to try to avoid a deer.
*Bear in mind that if you do swerve and miss a deer (or any other animal), but hit something else, it will be very hard to prove that the deer ever existed.
*If you do hit a deer, try to stop somewhere safe. Report the accident to the police – they’ll contact someone who can help.
