IDOT urges drivers to stay off the road as deer activity increases this fall

COOK COUNTY, Illinois. – The fall months are when deer are most active across the country, and that includes Chicagoland.

Posted by message Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT): Don’t head for deer.

“In other words, don’t swerve,” said IDOT spokeswoman Maria Castaneda, “Because you can merge into oncoming traffic, you can swerve and swerve. So you really have to fight that natural instinct to get away from the deer.”

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, deer mating season is October through January, making deer more active.

November is historically the highest risk month in our state.

Castaneda said it doesn’t matter whether you’re driving close to the city or around forest preserves. Everyone should be on guard.

“Of the top ten counties in Illinois with the most deer-related incidents, Cook County ranks first, followed by Will County and then Kane County,” Castaneda said.

The number of deer-related crashes in Chicago-area counties is increasing every year.

There were 14,862 crashes involving deer in Illinois in 2023. Of these, 663 resulted in injury and seven resulted in death.

Cook County accounted for 598 of the reported crashes. Most incidents occur at dawn and dusk.

“Most of the time, scan your surroundings near the road and you’ll see their eyes reflected in the headlights,” Castaneda said.

If you hit a deer, don’t panic.

“The important thing is to take the risk, move to the safe side of the road and call 911 if you can, and please do not get out of your car,” Castaneda said.