Drivers are being warned to take extra care on rural roads this month.

New data shows collisions involving deer peak sharply in May, adding to growing concerns about wildlife-related incidents across the UK.

The dangers to motorists and deer, as well as the financial costs, should all be kept in mind by drivers to encourage slower driving on rural roads.

 Four feet, four wheels

Figures released by The AA through its Accident Assist division reveal that, on average, around 90 members require help each month after hitting a deer.

However, that number rises by up to 50% in May, making it one of the most dangerous periods of the year for such incidents.

In May 2025 alone, 205 deer were struck by AA members, well above the monthly average of 135.

So far this year, 454 deer strikes have already been reported, following a total of 1,619 incidents recorded in 2024.

The data highlights a steady upward trend, with the AA warning that 2026 could see record levels as deer populations continue to grow.

Time of year

The spike in May is largely attributed to seasonal behaviour, as young deer leave breeding sites and begin to roam more widely.

This creates an additional period of danger alongside the well-documented autumn rutting season, when mating activity also leads to unpredictable movements and increased road crossings.

Historical figures underline the trend.

Deer strikes recorded by AA members in May have fluctuated but remained consistently high in recent years: 172 in 2021, 162 in 2022, 187 in 2023, 179 in 2024, and now 205 in 2025—the highest in the past five years.

For fleet operators and business drivers, the implications are significant.

With many companies relying on vehicles operating on rural routes, particularly in logistics, utilities and field services, the seasonal surge presents both safety and cost risks.

Industry observers note that greater awareness and driver training could help reduce incidents, positioning this as a key area for fleet risk management.

Real dangers

The dangers are illustrated by the experience of 23-year-old driver Bailey Bavister, who recently collided with a deer on the A339 between Basingstoke and Alton in Hampshire.

The deer struck the driver’s side of his Audi A3, causing catastrophic damage and killing him instantly.

Bavister was left with a repair bill of £7,500, with the cost covered by insurance aside from an excess payment. Repairs included a new bonnet, headlight assembly, grille, wheel arch and door.

He said: “I was driving home after doing some Mother’s Day shopping when the deer bounded into the opposite lane, bounced directly into my driver’s side headlight. It then rolled down the driver’s side door before jumping back into the verge it came from.

“Shock is the only way to describe it. Sadly, you always see roadkill on country lanes and long drives and think it would’ve done some damage, never really thinking it could happen to you. It happened in the blink of an eye and was completely out of my control.”

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said Bavister’s case is a typical example of how अचानक and severe such collisions can be.

“It can be very difficult to avoid colliding with a deer, but reducing your speed and taking extra care to look ahead on rural roads can make a difference,” he said.

Rankin also highlighted a frustrating reality for motorists: “As there is no other driver involved, deer collisions are inevitably recorded as ‘driver at fault’ incidents. For those who did everything they could to avoid hitting a deer, or it happened too fast to react, this is a hard pill to swallow, along with the sense of tragedy.”

Be prepared

Although the Road Traffic Act 1988 does not require drivers to report deer collisions to police, the AA recommends doing so, particularly if the animal poses a hazard to other road users.

Drivers are also encouraged to notify local authorities and log incidents through wildlife tracking platforms to improve data collection.

Guidance from The Deer Society reinforces the need for vigilance, warning that if one deer is seen near the road, others are likely to follow.

Rankin added: “Every year we are seeing more deer killed on our roads, with May proving to be a pivotal month. As the deer population continues to boom, we are concerned that 2026 could see record levels of deer strikes.”

With the combination of rising deer numbers and seasonal movement patterns, safety experts stress that simple actions such as slowing down, scanning verges and anticipating sudden dangers could significantly reduce collisions and protect both drivers and wildlife.