Warning about deer on the roads in Kilcullen area
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| Local deer danger area. Map courtesy Google. |
In the Kilcullen district, deer are plentiful from the M9 motorway all the way across to Brannockstown, especially in the Carnalway area. And an appeal to local councillors has been made for the provision of deer warning signs on the Naas Road beyond Silliott Hill, where a number of motorist-deer incidents have occurred.
Kilcullen resident Paul Leighton has written to the councillors seeking signs for the location, where it appears there is a regular deer crossing point. "Deer are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976," he notes, "but at some stage a car accident will occur at this fast section of the road with a deer."
Following representations by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, deer warning signs were installed last year on the Carnalway to Two Mile House road.
The Irish Deer Society issues guidelines for motorists at this time of the year, noting that deer often travel in groups. They are unpredictable and often dart right into traffic. The Society also observes that more than half of the people killed in deer-related collisions were not wearing seat belts or helmets, and urges motorists and bikers to take these precautions.
Use high beams to illuminate animals’ eyes at night if there is no oncoming traffic. Be especially vigilant from sunset to midnight and shortly before or after sunrise or sunset. These are the high risk times for accidents with deer.
Brake firmly if you see a deer but stay in your lane. Accidents often happen when drivers swerve into the path of an oncoming vehicle to miss a deer or lose control of their car after seeing or hitting one.
If you hit a deer do not touch it. it could hurt you. Call the Gardai if the deer carcass is blocking the road and is an immediate danger to other road users.
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