Harvest season is underway, and along with peak deer mating season, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are urging motorists to be vigilant and watch for wildlife on the roadways, especially from dusk to dawn. There were 14,862 crashes involving deer in 2023 in Illinois. Of the 14,862 crashes, 14192 resulted in damage to property or vehicle, 663 caused injuries, and seven of the crashes resulted in fatalities. These high numbers not only underline the risks associated with wildlife on the roadways but also call for enhanced measures to prevent such accidents. Efforts are underway to increase awareness and implement more effective safety protocols to address this issue and ensure the safety of both drivers and wildlife.
Although a collision with a deer can happen at any time in Illinois, Illinois is approaching the time of year when most crashes occur. Last year, 41% of crashes involving deer in Illinois occurred in October, November, and December, with November being the highest-risk month. Rural areas were the site of 69% of crashes involving deer, with 72% occurring at twilight or nighttime.
“While your instinct is to veer when you hit a deer, don’t do it because you might lose control and injure yourself or others. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Whether you’re in an urban, suburban or rural area, pay extra attention to your surroundings, especially in spots where there have been previous deer sightings.”
Safe driving tips for the deer-mating season:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with deer crossing signs.
- Scan the sides of the road for eye shine – the reflection of headlights in their eyes.
- Slow down if you see a deer and anticipate that others could be following.
- Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road and not move for oncoming vehicles.
- If a collision is inevitable, don’t veer. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road.
Deer can often appear suddenly in some surprising environments, so be on alert and slow down in areas where they are known to travel.
The top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2023:
- Cook 598
- Madison 396
- Kane 384
- Will 381
- McHenry 344
- Lake 341
- La Salle 340
- Sangamon 338
- Fulton 300
- Peoria 286
“Be extra vigilant on Illinois highways this time of year, especially at dawn and dusk, when deer are particularly active for the fall mating season,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Deer are a part of the Illinois landscape, and drivers should always be mindful of their presence to minimize the risk of accidents.”
If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911. Do not exit the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road.
For information on how to claim a deer involved in a crash or to report possession of a deer killed in a crash, click here or visit the IDNR website.
