In November, Illinois roads can become particularly hazardous due to increasing numbers of deer during the peak of the animals’ autumn breeding season, typically leading to an increase in the number of deer-related accidents. Warning signs mark known deer crossing areas, reminding drivers to exercise extreme caution. Last year in Illinois, these accidents claimed four lives, injured more than 629 individuals, and led to 14,529 reported crashes.
Motorists are advised against the instinct to swerve upon encountering a deer; instead, experts emphasize the importance of braking hard, driving straight, and gripping the steering wheel to absorb the impact. This approach not only increases the chances of survival but also reduces the risk of losing control or colliding with other vehicles, emphasizing the critical need for stability and vigilance on the roads.
If you hit a deer, pull over. Turn on your car’s hazard lights and call 9-1-1. Do not approach the injured deer.
The top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2022:
- Cook: 542
- Madison: 396
- McHenry: 351
- Lake: 350
- Will: 344
- Peoria: 323
- Fulton: 313
- Kane: 286
- Sangamon: 282
- Macoupin: 271
For information on how to claim a deer involved in a crash, or to report possession of a deer killed in a crash, go to the IDNR website.
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