NFU Mutual - Sponsors of the Open Ridden at Our Summer Show have passed the following advice on to NPS Members 

A deer danger for drivers

A staggering 75,000 deer are thought to be hit by motorists in the UK each year, causing huge damage to British wildlife as well as human fatalities.

Research conducted by breakdown service, Autonational Rescue, found there are around 200 accidents a day involving deer and, with each accident costing an average of £300, claims costs can amount to more than £21 million a year.

Accident blackspots include The New Forest in Hampshire, Cannock Chase in Staffordshire and the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.

Ronan Hart, of Autonational Rescue, is urging motorists to be extra vigilant when driving near to hedgerows or woodland.

He says: “What many motorists don’t realise is that deer related traffic accidents very often don’t kill the animal outright – which is bad enough – but the animal has to be either put down by rangers, vets or RSPCA staff afterwards or it escapes to die later of its injuries.

“Also, deer are a major safety hazard to road users especially at night in winter fog and rain.  Accidents can lead to expensive damage to cars and to human injuries and even deaths.”

Peak times for accidents are between sunset to midnight with the majority of these occurring between October to December.

The Deer Initiative (backed by the Highways Agency): www.deercollisions.co.uk

Hints and tips

·                    Heed deer warning signs by driving below the speed limit

·                    After dark, if there is no opposing traffic, use full beams on badly lit roads

·                    Don’t over swerve to avoid hitting an animal as you may hit an oncoming car.  If collision is inevitable, try to maintain full control of your car when you hit the animal

·                    Report any deer collisions to the police

NFU Mutual car insurance has won the Auto Express Driver Power Best Car Insurer survey in 2006, 2007 and now 2008.  We can only conclude that our customers are happier than everyone else’s.  Why not join them?  For a quote, find your local agent at nfumutual.co.uk or call 0800 197 1283.

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