A Costly Deer Collision Prompts Safety Warning For Drivers

A motorist recently caused £7,500 worth of damage to their vehicle after colliding with a deer, prompting the AA to caution drivers to be especially vigilant on countryside roads this May, which is traditionally the worst month for such incidents.

Data from AA Accident Assist shows that around 90 members each month require help following deer-related collisions. However, that figure can rise by up to half during May, when deer movement increases significantly. The trend is backed by recent figures, and in May 2025, AA members reported hitting 205 deer.

One recent case involved 23-year-old Bailey Bavister, who struck a deer while driving his Audi A3 along the A339 between Basingstoke and Alton in Hampshire. The collision caused extensive damage to the front driver’s side of the vehicle, including the headlight and wing, and resulted in the deer’s death. Repairs totalled £7,500, and although Bavister’s insurance covered most of the cost after he paid the excess, the vehicle required major work, including the replacement of the bonnet, headlight assembly, grille, wheel arches, and doors.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said the incident highlights how sudden and severe these 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 explained.

He also noted that, because no other driver is involved, such accidents are usually classified as the motorist’s fault, something that many find frustrating, particularly when the collision was unavoidable. Although the Road Traffic Act 1988 does not legally require drivers to report deer collisions, the AA advises informing both the police and local authorities, especially if the animal is obstructing the road. Drivers are also encouraged to log incidents through the Deer Aware website to help track trends.

Safety groups warn that if one deer is spotted near a road, others may be nearby, increasing the risk of further incidents.

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.”

Despite legal requirements to report collisions involving certain animals, previous research suggests many drivers remain unclear about their obligations.