May the most dangerous month for animal collisions, data shows

Data has revealed that the risk of motorists colliding with an animal is highest in May.

Research released by Churchill Motor Insurance showed that the months of April, May, and June account for more than half the animals killed on Scottish roads, and 36% of the animals killed on English roads; with figures peaking in May.

The increase has been attributed to longer days, higher traffic levels, and spring-born animals beginning to roam for the first time.

Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance said: “You could hit a deer at any time of year, but from our analysis, we know May is a peak month for deer collisions. It is important to stay extra vigilant, particularly in rural areas with dense vegetation and road signs that warn of deer. Where there is one deer, there are sure to be more, as they often live in small herds.”

National highways reported that 6,322 animals were killed on roads in 2023, throughout England and Scotland.

Deer are the most likely animal to be hit on the road, accounting for 61% of animals killed on Scottish roads.

In England, motorists in the North West are most likely to collide with an animal, with 1,246 collisions reported in 2023.

In the same period, the South West and the East Midlands only saw reports of 513 and 284 animal collisions respectively.