Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
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[October 20, 2023]
Deer are more active in the fall and drivers
should be cautious when traveling after dark. While accidents can
happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur
between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and
December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid a
deer-vehicle collision. |
Illinois
deer hunting season is underway now through mid-January, so deer are
on the move more, says Peggy Doty, University of Illinois Extension
educator in energy and environmental stewardship.
“White-tailed deer are crepuscular, which means they are most active
during dusk and dawn,” Doty says. “In addition, harvest is happening
in some parts of the state which removes many acres of cover for the
animals forcing them to be on the move.”
At 100 to 250 pounds, white-tailed deer are Illinois’ largest mammal
according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR,
website Wildlife Illinois. The largest populations of deer in
Illinois are in wooded areas in watersheds of the major rivers,
especially the Mississippi, Rock, Illinois, and Kaskaskia rivers,
and in the Shawnee Hills in southern Illinois.
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Not all deer-vehicle accidents can be prevented, but
drivers can reduce their chances of a collision by understanding
basic deer behavior and being proactive with these tips from the
IDNR website White-Tailed Deer Illinois.
When driving at night, reduce your speed, keep a safe distance from
other vehicles, and be prepared to stop.
Watch out for deer in areas where they have been spotted in the
past. Deer crossing signs are an indicator of this but roadways
close to woodlots, field edges, or water also require extra caution.
Scan roadsides for “eyeshine” which is the reflection of headlights
in the deer’s eyes and use high-beam lights when appropriate. [to top of second
column] |
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If a deer crosses the road, slow
down; there may be more deer or they might double back. Alert
other motorists to the presence of deer by tapping your brakes
or using emergency flashers.
Avoid slamming on the brakes or swerving into traffic or off the
road if deer are on the roadway. This can cause a loss of
control of the vehicle. Instead, slow to a stop and wait for the
deer to move. Flash your headlights and honk the car horn in
short bursts to encourage deer to move off the road.
If a deer is struck, safely pull off the road and assess the
situation. Call 911 if the deer is injured. It is illegal for
anyone except a law enforcement officer to kill a crippled deer.
Deer killed from a vehicle collision legally can be claimed by
any Illinois citizen. Claims must be reported within 24 hours by
calling (217) 782-6431 or online at deer.wildlifeillinois.org.
[SOURCES: Peggy Doty, Extension
Educator, Energy and Environmental Stewardship; Wildlife Illinois,
White-Tailed Deer Illinois]
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