DRIVERS are being warned to take extra care and look out for deer roaming on the roads in the New Forest this autumn.

The warning from Highways England comes as more deer are on the move during the rutting season.

It says at this time of year, deer collisions peak as many of the animals cross roads seeking new territories. The highest risk of collisions is between sunset and midnight, and the hours shortly before and after sunrise.

Aaron Herringshaw, a chef from Bournemouth who has a regular commute across rural Dorset, said: “I know what the consequences are and the literal impact of a collision with a deer having been unfortunate enough to experience two incidents in eighteen months.

"Both collisions were really distressing and resulted in my car being written off, which takes time to sort out and means my insurance has gone up, but I am thankful that no-one got hurt.

“Both incidents happened during my early morning drive to work at around 5.30am on roads that I know well and travel on frequently.

"I am aware of the wildlife in the area and weather-wise it was clear but both times a deer leapt out of the hedge in right front of my car with absolutely no warning.

"The impact is quite scary as you have no control of the vehicle in that split second - it is somewhat surreal because you’re not expecting that to happen first thing in the morning.

"I have always considered myself to be a safe and careful driver – if it happens to me it could happen to anyone.

"I have changed my driving style to be even more vigilant and I am always on the look-out for deer warning signs. You don’t know when or how a collision could occur – the deer warning signs are there for a reason.

"They give you that extra bit of information that wildlife is in the area and to slow down and be extra cautious.”

Leonardo Gubert, senior ecologist at Highways England, said: “You may be well-travelled and on a well-known route without ever seeing a deer before, but there may be one hidden in nearby foliage or woodlands and some species of deer can often gather in large groups.

"You may have seen one and avoided it but others may follow and unexpectedly dart out into the roadway.

"You may have also seen deer signs at locations where you have never spotted deer but the fact is that they have been installed in areas with high deer numbers and their purpose is to alert drivers that there is a higher possibility of encountering them along that particular stretch of road.

“We want everyone travelling on our roads to reach their destination safely and with as many as 1.5 million wild deer living across Britain it is vital for drivers to be aware of their presence, to be extra vigilant, especially at this time of year when deer are on the move.”

Deer signs are placed at locations where the animals are known to be active and are likely to cross.

David Jam, the director of the Deer Initiative said: “While deer are a constant risk to drivers, they are especially active during autumn and spring, especially at dusk and dawn."