Warning as deer take to the roads

At this time of year, accidents involving deer are more frequent, with the adolescent youngsters leaving their mothers in search of their own territories.

Jamie Hammond, Scottish Natural Heritage’s South Scotland deer management officer, said: “Many people think most accidents with deer occur on remote Highland roads; in fact 70% occur on trunk roads or motorways.

“Accidents are particularly high in the spring and autumn because dusk and the peak commuting times coincide. Deer are more likely to be feeding near, or on, road verges at this time.

“We advise motorists to slow down and watch for deer crossing in front of traffic.

“Be particularly alert if you are driving around curves or near heavily-forested areas where deer can suddenly appear before you have time to brake.”

In Lanarkshire this is most prevalent on the M73, M8 and M74.

Carol Walker, Scotland TranServ’s Environment Manager said: “This is an important time of year for young deer, when they finally leave their mothers and start to look for their own territory.

“They often find themselves wandering onto trunk roads because they don’t have much of the necessary wisdom or experience to avoid them at that stage.”

Statistics reveal that there are 7,000 collisions between motorists and deer every year in Scotland, with more than 60 of these resulting in injury to humans.