When a deer is in the lane ahead most people’s impulse is to swerve to avoid hitting the deer, but that’s likely to cause a serious crash, said Paul Wappel of the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

On a highway, if you suddenly swerve into another lane, another driver could hit you. Swerve off the road and you could propel yourself into a ditch. 

“It’s hard but do your best to try to glance the vehicle off the deer,” Wappel said. “To glance a vehicle” means to turn your wheel only slightly, even if you are still heading straight for the deer, Wappel says. He uses the catchphrase "Don't veer for deer" to remind people not to swerve themselves into an accident.

Forty percent of deer crashes in Illinois occur in the fall, during mating season. November is the month with the highest number of deer crashes. In 2018, 15,636 vehicles in Illinois were damaged in deer crashes. Six hundred and thirty people were injured. Eight people were killed. It’s a major problem.

Slow down and be vigilant – particularly in the early morning and in the early evening when you are more likely to encounter deer, Wappel says. Scan the roadsides for deer as you are driving. Look for “deer shine,” the reflection of headlights in the deer’s eyes. Expect the unexpected. Some deer head to the middle of a road and just stop. Others dash into a roadside thicket and then double back right into your car’s path, Wappel said. 

People are surprised to find out that Cook County reported more deer crashes than any other county, Wappel said. 

“Deer are everywhere in Illinois. No matter where you live, an urban area, a suburb or a rural area, deer are a hazard, particularly at this time of year,” he said.

If you do hit a deer, pull over when it is safe, put on your hazard lights and call 911. 

“Do not – DO NOT – get out of the vehicle and try to help or move an injured deer,” Wappel said. “That is a recipe for potential disaster.” 

Law enforcement officers are trained to handle traffic and assist with injured animals, he said.