Deer Crashes Account for Five Percent of Collisions in Illinois

 Posted on February 14,2018 in Car Accidents

Illinois residents are fortunate to have access to spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities. From snowmobiling and nordic skiing in the winter months to hiking, hunting, and boating in the warmer months, there is no shortage of outdoor exploration possibilities. Yet these incredible natural activities can result in run-ins with wild animals—rural roadways have no shortage of critters, especially deer.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, collisions involving deer account for 5.1 percent of all vehicular collisions. In fact, in 2015 alone, 540 passengers suffered injuries in collisions with deer throughout the state.

If you or a family member are injured in an it is important to discuss your case with a knowledgeable Chicagoland attorney.

Illinois Accidents Involving Deer

Throughout 2015, 15,975 vehicular accidents involving deer occurred throughout the state of Illinois. Of those accidents, over 60 percent occurred during dark hours. When getting out into wilderness areas for outdoor activities, it is wise to be cautious of deer, as the Illinois Department of Transportation states that nearly 80 percent of crashes involving deer occur on rural roadways.

Avoiding Deer on the Road

The vast majority of collisions involving deer occur later in the day, when visibility is limited. That said, there are tactics that drivers can utilize to lower the possibility of crashing into a deer.

• Slow Down: When driving at night in rural wooded areas, it may be wise to drive slightly slower than the speed limit. Keeping your speed limited can help with reaction time in the event that a deer bolts out in front of your vehicle.
• Utilize Your High Beams: Utilizing your high beams is a common sense solution to avoiding obstacles when road visibility is limited. If oncoming traffic is not present, the usage of high beam lights can increase visibility immensely. Another safety benefit of high beam lights to consider is the fact that using your high beams can increase the chances that deer on the road will see your oncoming vehicle.
• Watch Out for Deer Groupings: If you see a deer on or near the roadway, there is a high possibility that other deer may be in the surrounding area. Even if you know you can avoid the deer you see, it is wise to slow down and watch for additional deer that may also be looking to cross the road.

Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

At Salvi & Maher L.L.C., we have decades of experience dealing with various vehicular collision injuries. Therefore, if you or a member of your family are injured in a vehicular collision with a deer, contact a Waukegan personal injury attorney today to explore your legal options.

Sources:

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2015%20Crash%20Facts%20with%20cover.pdf

https://www.iii.org/article/avoid-a-deer-car-collision