Will County has 3rd highest deer crashes in Illinois

It’s deer mating time again in Illinois, which means deer are now especially active, especially at dawn and dusk.

In 2020, Will County had 322 crashes that involved deer, the third highest in Illinois, according to a news release fromthe Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources

“Although a collision with a deer can happen any time of year, we are entering the peak season,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said in the release. “Deer can often appear suddenly in some surprising environments so you are urged to be on alert. Slow down, pay attention in areas where they are known to travel and remember – don’t veer for deer. While the urge to swerve is instinctual, it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and increase the severity of a crash.”

But staying clear of the deer doesn’t mean you should veer - that could actually cause a crash, the release said.

The release provided these safe driving tips:

• 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. They travel in groups, so more are likely nearby.

• Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road or double back.

• If a collision is inevitable, try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic.

If you do collide with a deer, the release said:

• Pull off to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and call 911 to report the accident.

• Do not exit the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road.

For more information, visit www2.illinois.gov/dnr.