Cars can easily be written off in the smallest collision during rutting season.
Motorists are being advised to be vigilant for deer who are coming into rutting season - another term for mating season - as road safety chiefs are concerned about the rising number of possible collisions with cars.
Rutting season is approaching and with the days getting darker, it will be harder to keep an eye out for deer on our roads.
Rutting season is when stags clash with one another for the affections of female deer, meaning they are more likely to be active on Irish roads.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has launched its new ‘DeerAware’ campaign.
Signs will be located across the country to raise awareness that deer may be active in certain areas, advising motorists to drive slower and be on the lookout for the antlered animals.
Figures released by the Wild Deer Association of Ireland show there are around 400 to 500 collisions between motorists and deer each year.
Mayo’s road safety officer Noel Gibbons said: “It’s rutting season for lusty deer so we are appealing to motorists to watch out for deer crossing and to reduce your speed.
"Cars can easily be written off in a collision with deer and car occupants are often injured. Not only that, an increase in premium is likely to follow as some, or all, of any no-claims-bonus will be lost unless it’s protected.”
If you do hit a deer, it should be reported to the Gardaí immediately and if there is a deer present, it is likely that there are more to follow.
Honking in short bursts and slowing are just two ways to help you avoid getting seriously hurt when coming into contact with a deer on Irish roads. You can read more about avoiding collisions with deer on the road
here.
