East Sussex Council Sounds Alarm: “Be Deer Aware” on the Roads!
East Sussex County Council has fired off a stern warning for drivers to stay sharp and “Be deer aware” after a surge in traffic crashes involving deer, especially around the Ashdown Forest. Collisions can wreck cars and cause serious injuries or even deaths—for both humans and deer. The council urges motorists to drive with extra care, particularly during the risky spring and autumn months.
What To Do If You Hit a Deer
- Stay calm and keep everyone safe.
- Move your car to a safe spot and switch on hazard lights.
- Don’t touch the deer—it might panic or dash back into traffic, causing more accidents.
Who To Call and When
- Call 999 if anyone’s hurt, or if a deer—dead or alive—is blocking the road and posing a danger.
- Call 101 if the deer is injured but off the road and not a traffic risk.
Police and specialist Deer Wardens will then handle the situation safely.
How to Dodge a Derby with Deer
Watch Out for Peak Deer Seasons
Deer are a year-round hazard, but driver danger peaks April-May (when fawns are born) and October-November (mating season). Dawn and dusk are key danger times.
Spot One, Expect More
If one deer crosses, more often follow. Slow way down or stop if it’s safe. Deer are unpredictable—stay sharp!
Keep an Eye Out in Known Deer Zones
Deer like crossing in the same spots. Signs warn you where they lurk. When you see signs or drive through wooded areas, slow your pace and be ready to stop.
Use Your Lights Like a Pro
After dark, blast your full beams when you don’t meet traffic—they’ll catch deer’s eyes early. But if you spot a deer close by, dip your lights to avoid freezing them onto the road.
For top tips and more info, check out Deer Aware.
