5 Best Ways To Avoid Hitting a Deer on Illinois Roads

As deer mating season ramps up in Illinois, drivers need to be on high alert for sudden road crossings. With more deer activity on the roads, these safety tips can help you avoid a dangerous and costly collision.

It's Deer Mating Season – Here's How to Avoid a Collision on Illinois Roads

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With deer mating season in full swing, it's time to be extra cautious on the roads. The increased deer activity means more crossing highways and backroads, leading to a higher risk of collisions. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while driving this fall.

1. Watch for the Rest of the Herd

Deer rarely travel alone. If you see one deer dart across the road, there are probably more nearby. This is especially true during mating season when bucks are actively following does.

Slow down and keep an eye out for others that may follow. Don’t let your guard down just because the first deer has passed safely.

2. Pay Attention to Peak Activity Times

Deer are most active around dawn and dusk, the times when your visibility is already compromised. With the combination of low light and active wildlife, these hours can be especially dangerous.

Always use your high beams when appropriate, and reduce your speed during these peak times to give yourself more time to react.

3. Stay in the Center Lane When Possible

If you're on a multi-lane road, the center lane is your best bet for avoiding a deer collision, as long as local traffic laws allow it. This provides more buffer space if a deer does decide to leap out, giving you valuable time to brake or swerve safely if necessary.

4. Stay in Your Lane – Don’t Swerve

If a deer appears suddenly, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or even swerve into oncoming traffic, turning a bad situation into a catastrophic one. It's better to hit the deer than to risk a high-speed accident.

5. Use Your Horn to Scare Deer Away

Experts recommend giving a long blast on your horn to scare deer out of the road. This tactic is often more effective than relying on deer whistles or other devices, which have not been proven to reduce accidents significantly.

Deer season means more than just extra wildlife sightings; it means added hazards for drivers. Stay alert, follow these tips, and drive safely to minimize your risk of a collision.

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