Sussex motorists warned to watch out for deer on roads as peak season continues

Although deer cross the roads all year round, a spokesperson for Sussex Police said their presence peaks in April and May, when young deer start to disperse from breeding areas. Motorists have been warned to take care, as a result, especially around dawn and dusk, when the animals are more likely to be on the move.

"If a deer crosses in front of you, it is likely that another will follow. If it is safe to do so, slow right down or stop and wait. Deer are unpredictable so drive with caution,” a Sussex Police spokesperson said.

"Deer often cross the roads in the same locations. Deer warning signs are put up where deer are known to cross regularly. When you see a warning sign or are travelling through a heavily wooded stretch of road, you should slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop.

"After dark, use full-beam when there is no opposing traffic. The headlight beam will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a road and help you to spot them.When a deer or other animal is seen on the road, dip your headlights as animals startled by the beam may cause them to ‘freeze’ rather than leave the road.”