Deer mating season typically runs from late October through December, but mid to late November is the peak, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Cook and Lake counties are both in the top ten in reported collisions annually, and with fewer wooded areas as a natural habitat, deer can be flushed out onto roads where they can be difficult to spot, especially at night.
After dusk and near sunrise tend to be the times where deer are most active, so it's important to watch the road at all times and maintain a safe speed, especially in wooded areas or areas with light populations. Some tips to help you stay safe:
- The single best way to avoid an accident is to be aware of the surroundings. Pay attention to deer crossing signs, and scan the roadsides for the “eyeshine” of deer (reflection of headlights in the deer’s eyes).
- At night, use high-beam lights when appropriate. This may allow the deer to be seen a few seconds earlier, giving the driver enough time to avoid an accident.
- Deer often use woodlots, fencerows, field edges or areas near water. Extra caution is needed when these habitats are close to roadways.
- Slow down around curves in areas where deer are known to occur.
- Slow down and prepare to stop if a deer is along the side of the road. There are likely more deer nearby. Deer will often follow one another single file across a road. Trying to cross through the middle of such a group often results in deer colliding with the side of the vehicle.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road or decide to double back to the side of the road. Hard pavement such as concrete or asphalt provides poor traction for the hard and sharp hooves of deer. They may even fall down.
- If there are deer near the road, and there are no vehicles close behind, slow down, honk the vehicle’s horn in short bursts and flash the headlights.
- If deer are near the road, tap the brakes or use the emergency flashers to alert other drivers. Prepare to safely stop if the deer move toward the roadway.
- If there are deer on or approaching the road, do not slam on the brakes or swerve sharply to avoid the deer. It is instinctual to do this, but doing so may cause a loss of control of the vehicle and a more severe accident.
- Never tailgate! Always leave plenty of room between vehicles. Many severe deer vehicle accidents are caused when another vehicle becomes involved.
If you do happen to hit a deer, make sure you inform the police at once. Make sure you don't attempt to move or attend to the injured deer in the roadway, as this could put you at risk . Call your insurance agent right away so they can begin the process of having your car looked at and repaired.
Finally, if you enjoy venison and know a butcher in your area, the state does allow motorists to "claim" a deer hit on the road for purposes of consumption. So should this unfortunate incident occur, you can at least feel comforted by this silver lining.
