October brings bigger chances for car wrecks involving deer

Posted on October 18, 2015

Crashes involving deer are on this rise this time of year. (WJBC file photo)

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – Harvest time is a dangerous time for drivers trying to avoid deer on the roadway.

That’s according to Brian Williamson with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“The rural roads – twighlight and nighttime hours those are times where there is some increased activity,” said Williamson. “If you do happen to see one of them it is a good rule of thumb to think you may see some more.”

Williamson advises you to tap your breaks to alert the driver behind you if you see a deer.  He also says you should never cross into the oncoming lane to avoid a deer.

The latest statistics show that motor vehicle crashes involving deer increased slightly in Illinois last year: 15,356 crashes in 2014, compared to 15,334 crashes in 2013. There were 14,847 crashes that resulted in property damage only in 2014, compared to 14,811 in 2013.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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