The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists to be alert for deer along roadways as the fall mating season gets underway.
State officials say deer activity increases significantly during the fall, with the peak mating season continuing through December. Drivers are especially encouraged to use caution during the early morning and evening hours.
According to IDOT, 14,529 crashes involving deer were reported in Illinois during 2025. Of those, 13,846 resulted in property damage, while 677 caused injuries. Six crashes resulted in seven fatalities.
Statistics show that approximately 41 percent of deer-related crashes occurred during October, November and December, with November being the most dangerous month.
Rural roads accounted for 69 percent of deer-related crashes, while approximately eight out of every 10 collisions occurred during twilight or nighttime hours.
Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said motorists should remain alert even when traveling familiar routes.
“Deer are on the move throughout the state, increasing your chances of encountering one at any time,” Biagi said. “Stay alert, even during routine trips and your daily commute.”
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Montgomery also encouraged drivers to be especially cautious around dawn and dusk, when deer are particularly active.
Motorists are advised to slow down in areas where deer are commonly seen, watch for movement along roadsides and remember that deer often travel in groups. Drivers should avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or leaving the roadway to miss an animal.
If a collision occurs, drivers should pull safely onto the shoulder, activate their hazard lights and call 911. Officials warn motorists not to approach an injured deer or attempt to remove one from the roadway.
Additional information about claiming or reporting possession of a deer killed in a vehicle collision is available through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.illinois.gov