Motorists across Sussex are turning to a revolutionary deer whistle to help avoid collisions with the animals.

The "save a deer" whistle is attached to cars and sends out a sound frequency which warns and freezes deer - preventing them from straying into the road.

Drivers in the county have problems with deer, particularly around Ashdown Forest where more than 300 are hit annually.

Half of the deer hit are killed outright, while the remainder are often badly injured and have to be put down.

The device, which costs about £7.50, kicks in at speeds above 35mph and cannot be heard by humans.

Cameron Macrae, who is supplying Sussex drivers with the deer whistles, said: "They are very effective. I have sold about 4,000 so far and only ever had one complaint from someone who said it didn't work.

"Not only can the whistles save deer but also human injury. I have seen cars written off after they have hit a stag, and rural roads can be very dangerous if there are deer nearby."

Deer injured on roads in Ashdown Forest will be treated by specially trained wardens from August.

The £10,000 deer warden scheme is organised by the Ashdown Deer Group and funded by East Sussex County Council.

A council spokesman said: "It is important that an injured deer or other animal is dealt with in a timely manner.

"Left unattended, it will not only undergo undue pain and stress but can also pose a risk to motorists." The council has already run a speed awareness campaign and improved signs for motorists between Haywards Heath and Crowborough to help protect wildlife.

Trevor Weeks, of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, said: "The whistles are not a miracle cure but they are a good idea and with more research I can't see why they should not be fitted to every car."

The device is fitted to an air duct, grill or bumper and is self-cleaning.

For more information visit deerwhistle.co.uk or call 01854 612821.

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