Avoiding deer on the highway can involve quick reflexes and sometimes a little bit of luck.

DeKalb County has reported 63 accidents involving deer this year, dating from January to the end of September, said DeKalb County Deputy Chief Kevin Hickey.

Last year, the county reported 136 accidents and 100 accidents in 2007, Hickey said.
He said the number of accidents usually increases during October and November.

“The increase usually coincides with the mating season, but because of our rural area it has to do with farmers harvesting their crops,” Hickey said.

A higher number of the accidents are reported on state highways and county roadways due to the higher speeds of the vehicles, he said.

“We see accidents at all hours of the day, but they typically happen at dawn and dusk when there is high traffic volume,” Hickey said.

He said to avoid getting in an accident, drivers should lower their speeds on roads where deer are known to cross. Drivers should also use their headlights between 6-8 a.m. and 5-7 p.m., Hickey said, as this is when accidents usually occur.

“Frequently drivers avoid hitting the first deer, but deer are a herd animal. Typically in our reports the driver said they hit the second or third one crossing,” Hickey said. “Just because one has crossed it doesn’t mean the danger has passed. Look for others.”

Greg Hunter, conservation police captain of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said if a deer is hit and killed the driver has the right to claim the deer.

“If the driver doesn’t want the deer the decision rests with the state highway patrol on what to do with the carcass,” Hunter said.

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