As autumn nights lengthen, the Lincolnshire Deer Group urges motorists throughout Lincolnshire to exercise caution due to a projected surge in deer-related road accidents. Already, the Lincolnshire Deer Group responded to 15 incidents in September and predict that number will double during the next few months. This coincides with the rutting season which sees deer more active leading to a higher likelihood of crossing roads. Wayne Radley, a 67-year-old volunteer at the group, shared his distressing experience of a collision with a deer in Scotland, emphasizing the abruptness of such encounters.
The extended periods of darkness and the upcoming shift of the clocks at the end of October further intensify the risk. Over the past year, the Lincolnshire Deer Group attended to 263 incidents, a figure consistent with national statistics from the RSPCA and the AA, highlighting the capricious nature of deer behaviour on roads. The group strongly advises drivers to heed deer warning signs, particularly in wooded areas, and to utilise full-beam headlights where safe after dark. In the unfortunate event of a collision, motorists should prioritise their safety and adhere to the appropriate emergency procedures.
Rural roads are exceptionally susceptible and the group recommends caution between sunset and midnight, and also around dawn. It is also advised to refrain from approaching injured deer to avert further accidents and incidents should be reported to the appropriate authorities via 101 or 999, contingent on the situation. This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
