1 October 2025
Data released by AA Accident Assist, shows that deer collisions have increased by a third (34%*) since 2021. According to figures released today, 1,419 deer were hit by AA members last year, compared to 1,054 in 2021.
There has been a steady annual rise in deer strikes, with 1,197 deer collisions in 2022 and 1,304 in 2023. There have been more than 1,000 deer strikes up to the end of August in 2025, leading to concerns that we will see more deer deaths this year.
Similarly, the annual rutting season which runs between September and November have also seen increases. Over the same 2021 to 2024 period, AA Accident Assist has seen a 41% rise in single vehicle deer collisions (195 in 2021 compared to 276 in 2024).
Annual Deer Strikes
- 2021 – 1,054
- 2022 – 1,197
- 2023 – 1,304
- 2024 – 1,419
- 2025 – 1,007 (01/01/2025 – 31/08/2025)
Rutting season deer strikes (14 Sept - 13 Nov each year)
- 2021 = 195
- 2022 = 222
- 2023 = 242
- 2024 = 276
“Even a low speed collision can result in hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a vehicle.”
Heed the warnings
With the number of collisions involving deer on the rise, AA Accident Assist is advising drivers to be wary of deer when driving, particularly on rural roads. Previous research has shown that around half of drivers ignore deer warning signs**.
While these figures only relate to members, The AA is encouraging all road users to report deer crashes and sightings of dead deer on the Deer Aware website. Similarly, drivers and riders should inform the local police and highways authority if a deer is on or near the carriageway.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, says; “As well as the emotional stress, hitting a deer is a costly experience. Even a low speed collision can result in hundreds of pounds worth of damage to a vehicle.
“It’s also a timely reminder that warning signs are there for a reason. Deer and other wild animals are unpredictable, so drivers should be wary of coming across them, especially on rural roads.
“While you are not required to report a collision with deer to the police, we would encourage people to do so, as well as the relevant highways authority so the deer can be helped and cleared.
“Similarly, people should report on the Deer Aware website, so we can better understand where deer collisions happen, and try to create ways to avoid future incidents.”
* AA Accident Assist data taken from 1 January 2021 to 31 August 2025. Rutting season statistics taken from deer strikes between 14 September and 13 November each year.