May 26th, 2009 Athens Online Police Blotter

As the seasons change and fall approaches, Illinois residents are reminded to be cautious on the roads due to an increase in deer-related accidents. According to IDOT Spokesperson Josh Kauffman, six fatalities were reported last year as a result of accidents involving deer.

To avoid these types of accidents, drivers are advised not to swerve to miss deer but instead hit them straight on. 'It's better to hit it head-on than to try to swerve and risk losing control of your vehicle,' said Mike Walker, Chief Deputy with the Dewitt County Sheriff's Department.

Deer can be found in areas throughout Illinois, but they are more numerous in certain regions. They tend to be most active during early evening and early morning hours, and drivers should exercise extra caution when driving through heavily wooded areas. 'Your awareness needs to be heightened when driving through these types of areas,' said Walker.

As hunting season approaches, deer will become even more active, leading to an increase in accidents. In fact, the majority of accidents that occur during the fall and winter months are caused by deer. With this in mind, drivers should take extra precautions to avoid collisions with these wildlife creatures.

To alert deer to your presence on the road, IDOT recommends flashing your headlights or honking your horn. This can help deter them from crossing the road and reduce the risk of an accident.

As the fall season gets underway, Illinois residents are encouraged to be vigilant when driving and take steps to avoid accidents with deer. By being aware of their surroundings and taking necessary precautions, drivers can minimize their risk of being involved in a deer-related accident.

May 26th 2009 athens online police blotter