High Deer Risk for Drivers in May

Taken from this week's Oban Times:

'Drivers in the West Highlands are being warned this week that May is the 'high risk' month for colliding with deer on the road.

The Deer Commision for Scotland has discovered that the next four weeks are the most dangerous for drivers and deer. The commision says that motorists should be on their guard because juvenile roe deer are moving from the area of the hill where they were born. Red deer are also more likely to be near the roadside grazing because of the shoots of fresh spring grass.

The research, conducted by the Deer Initiative, also said drivers are far more likely to hit deer in the early morning and evening. There are around 8500 vehicle collisons with deer in Scotland every year.

Warnings about deer near-collison 'hotspots' will be displayed throughout the west coast by Transport Scotland in the next week. Drivers are advised to use full headlights at all time after dark, although they should be dipped when a deer is seen on the road. they should also be aware that one animal crossing the road might be followed by other deer.'

Deer are an ever-increasing hazard on local roadsides, particularly at night / during winter, and especially on the A82 between Glencoe & Bridge of Orchy. Whilst it's tempting to put the foot down on this stretch of road with its long straight sections, it's not recommended (Through personal experience.) due to sheer numbers of deer hanging around.

Related links: The Oban Times; The Deer Commison for Scotland.