ONE of the most horrifying moments of my life was on me in an instant.

I was driving down the A338 spur road in the early hours of the morning more than 20 years ago when an adult deer suddenly appeared from nowhere.

In the millisecond it took for me to notice the animal in my headlights, I managed to see the very startled look in its eyes before my car, travelling at more than 50 miles per hour, collided with it.

Neither of us stood a chance.

Every year, around 75,000 deer are struck by cars in the UK and insurance claims like my own now amount to more than £21 million each year, staggering statistics when you work out that these figures mean 200-plus are hit by cars every day.

I find there are few excuses for ponies dying in the New Forest at the hands of motorists.

If everybody stuck to the Forest speed limit - slower where possible - the chances of dealing with a pony that wanders in to the road are increased and there is no doubt that fewer would die.

Deer, however, are entirely different creatures and unlike New Forest ponies who roam within the specific confines of the national park, they can seemingly appear on any road, dashing out from woods and bushes with little warning.

Every time I see a sign that warns me that deer could be about - whether it's the A338, the dangerous A35 or any country road - I feel a shiver go down my back, I slow down and prepare for anything.

All drivers need to do the same, but on certain roads, it's high time the danger is lessened considerably by some fencing or natural barriers... to protect drivers and the wildlife.