More Deer Related Accidents than Ever Before

By: Katrina Wagner | Posted: 06th August 2010

In an extra-ordinary set of statistics that highlight the importance of UK breakdown cover, figures have revealed that there is currently a 6% yearly increase in the amount of accidents caused by collisions with Deer.

In a survey obtained by the Telegraph Motoring show, it was revealed that an average of between 15 to 20 people die each year from these incidents, and that a further 1,100 are seriously injured. Furthermore, the total number of accidents is around 74,000, with the vast majority of animals left dead at the roadside.

Mr Peter Watson, Director of the Deer Initiative, noted that it is possible for the deer population of the UK to increase by approximately 30 percent per year. With the traffic levels constantly rising, it is hardly surprising that the number of collisions is increasing.

The increase in incidents has led to an inevitable rise in insurance claims, with one insurer noting that deer collisions were responsible for 11,000 vehicles suffering significant damage, totaling an astonishing £14 million in damage costs.

Last year, the DI was granted £30,000 to create an awareness campaign regarding deer on the roads, but as this number will soon be cut by £10,000, it really does emphasise the need for full UK breakdown cover.

Jochen Lanbein, and independent wildlife consultant has stated that deer on the roads is a ‘much bigger problem than motorists realize. They think it's the kind of thing that happens once in a blue moon but ask 10 people and at least one will have had a narrow escape or hit a deer.' Mr Lanbein concluded that the problem ‘will only get bigger and bigger.'

Protect yourself and your vehicle by making sure you are covered for such events. Take out a UK breakdown cover policy to make sure you're not left stranded after an accident.

Take out breakdown cover on your Car, Bike or Van with RescueMyCar and you'll be joining one of the largest networks of UK Breakdown Cover specialists.
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Tags: statistics, traffic levels, insurance, initiative, accidents, motorists, animals, insurance claims, insurer, blue moon