Illinois State Police Urge Drivers to Stay Alert for Deer This Fall

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The Illinois State Police are reminding motorists to stay vigilant for deer on the roads this fall — a peak time for deer-related crashes, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Most deer-vehicle collisions happen between October and December, especially during 5–10 p.m. and 5–8 a.m. when deer are most active. Accidents also spike in May and June as deer move to new habitats.

To reduce the risk of collisions, IDNR recommends the following safety tips:

Stay alert and watch for deer crossing signs.
Use high beams at night when possible to spot deer earlier.
Be cautious near woodlots, fields, or water sources, where deer often gather.
Slow down on curves and prepare to stop if deer are nearby — more are usually close behind.
Warn other drivers by flashing headlights, lightly tapping brakes, or honking.
Avoid swerving or slamming the brakes, as it can cause more severe accidents.
Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.

If you hit a deer, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and stay off the road to avoid further danger.

Drivers should contact police or file a crash report online if the collision involves only property damage and no injuries.

“Remember, the crash must be a single-vehicle, property-damage-only crash on either an Interstate or a U.S. or Illinois Route,” the Illinois State Police said in a Facebook post.

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