The risks

There is no statutory requirement for deer to learn the Highway Code, let alone be tested on it. So they tend not to look both ways before they cross the road. And once they're on the road in front of you, they either don't notice you're there (unless you hit them), or even worse, they do notice you and swiftly perform impressions of rabbits in the headlights. Oh, and let's not forget that they don't hang around on the verge before they cross. Rather, they tend to thunder across, breaking cover by leaping a hedge and landing in the roadway. Scary stuff.

And that's not all... Deer often travel in groups. So if you seen one charging across the road in front of you, watch out because there may well be more to come. See this video if you don't believe me. And then look at this one too.

OK, so what can I do to make myself safe?

Pay attention to those signs that warn of deer about. Scan the fields near the roadway for signs of deer. Slow down a bit if you think you're in the midst of prime deer territory. Be ever vigilant.

Oh that's so boring! Any other suggestions, preferably involving gadgets I can get for Christmas?

OK, for those who have everything, why not buy a deer whistle? They attach to the front of the vehicle, and the wind powers them into making a noise that is said (by the manufacturers) to be unpleasant to deer.

Why not? Because there isn't a shred of evidence to suggest that they work! In the more measured words of Dr Jochen Langbein of National Deer Colisions Research:

"In reply to your query about air-activated deer whistles for mounting on vehicles, these have been on the market for many years, but there is to date very little compelling evidence to suggest that they provide any protection to drivers, nor that deer can in fact actually hear them over the background traffic noise. As such we feel unable to recommend any vehicle mounted whistles to you at present. They are however readily available via various internet sites (e.g. in UK try www.deerwhistle.co.uk). Before deciding I suggest you also have a look at an indepedent review of deer whistle technology. See also a broader article discussing the various different measures available to reduce deer accidents and about the increasing issue of deer on roads in the UK. At our website members of the public can also log any deer road casualties or collisions they come across to help us identify local blackspots."