As we head into November, I want to remind drivers across Illinois to keep an extra eye out for deer on the roads.
Fall is one of the busiest times of year for deer activity, especially during mating season. In fact, 41 percent of deer-related crashes in Illinois last year occurred between October and December, with November seeing the most.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 14,529 crashes involving deer in 2025, resulting in 677 injury crashes and seven fatalities.
While deer can appear just about anywhere, drivers should be especially cautious on rural roads and during the evening hours. Last year, 69 percent of deer-related crashes occurred in rural areas, and eight out of 10 happened at night.
A few simple precautions can help keep you safe:
- Stay alert: Watch the sides of the road for deer, especially around wooded areas and fields.
- Slow down: If you spot a deer near the road, reduce your speed and be prepared for others to follow.
- Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt, even on short trips.
- Don’t swerve: If a deer enters your path, brake firmly and avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the roadway.
Whether you’re heading to work, running errands or traveling across the district, I encourage everyone to take a little extra caution behind the wheel this fall. A few seconds of awareness can make all the difference.
For more information about deer-related collisions, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
