DRIVERS in East Sussex are being urged to be ‘deer aware’ this spring to avoid collisions on the county’s roads.

The risk of encountering the animals increases in April and May when young deer are born, and East Sussex County Council has launched its annual campaign to warn motorists that the animals may appear on the road unexpectedly over the next couple of months.

Drivers are advised to slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop when they see a warning sign or are travelling through a heavily wooded stretch of road.

Cllr Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment, said: “There’s estimated to be as many as 74,000 collisions with deer in the UK every year and the risk is greater on rural roads.

“Collisions with deer can result in injury or death for animals and drivers, and significant damage to vehicles.  I would urge people to take extra care on the county’s roads during the spring months and follow some simple steps to stay safe.”

Drivers are advised to slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop when they see a warning sign or are travelling through a heavily wooded stretch of road.

People should take particular care at night and around dawn and dusk when deer are most likely to venture out.

Drivers are advised to use full-beam headlights at night if no other cars are around, as they will reflect the deer’s eyes, but dip their headlights when they see a deer to avoid startling it.

Deer often travel in groups so if drivers see one crossing the road they should slow down and drive with caution as others may follow.

Anyone who hits a deer is advised to stay calm, park in a safe place with hazard lights on and call the police on 101, or 999 if someone is injured or the deer is in the road.

People should not approach or try to comfort an injured deer, as it may make the animal more distressed or cause it to run back into the road.

More information and advice is available on the Deer Aware page on the council’s website at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/roads-transport/roads/road-safety/deer

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