With the changing weather, Illinois motorists are being reminded to be on the lookout for deer, particularly at dawn and dusk, through the end of the year.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 2023 saw 14,862 crashes involving deer, with 663 of these resulting in injuries and seven leading to fatalities. More than 41 percent of deer-related crashes occurred in the months of October, November, and December, with November posing the greatest risk.

As drivers prepare for increased deer activity, IDOT offers several safety tips to help reduce the risk of collisions:

• 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.

If a driver does hit a deer, IDOT recommends pulling off to the shoulder, turning on hazard lights, and calling 911. Drivers are also reminded not to exit their vehicles. For information on claiming a deer from a crash or reporting possession, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) provides resources on its website.