Avoiding Deer on Illinois Roads Survival Guide

Deer mating season is here and it's likely you'll see a deer run out in front of you. Here's the one thing you need to remember while driving on Illinois roads.

In 2018, there were over 15,000 deer-related accidents in Illinois and during mating season, you will see more deer near roadways than any other time of the year.

From Illinois Transportation Secretary, Omer Osmen, comes the best tip to remember if you encounter a deer on the road.

“Don’t veer for deer.”

Instinct makes us want to swerve to avoid hitting the deer, but Osman says that could make you lose control and increase a crash’s severity.

A couple more things that are useful to remember.

1. Deer travel in groups, so if you see one deer in the road, be prepared, there could be more running onto the road right behind them.

2. When driving in the dark on rural roads, be mindful of looking for 'eye shine', deer eyes reflecting headlights.

[H/T WGN TV]