Published: December 03, 2008 10:43 pm         

Deer present road hazard this time of year

DANVILLE — Drivers need to put worries about gift lists and last-minute shopping out of their minds when they get behind the wheel this holiday season.

Deer have been out in full force this month, causing problems on the road in areas throughout the county.

As of the end of November, deer had accounted for almost 45 accidents on Vermilion County roads, including a couple with county law enforcement.

The first days of December have only increased numbers with four more recorded in the first two days.

Vermilion County Sheriff¡¦s Department Capt. Dennis Wood said the accidents have been both in rural areas as well as on the border of Danville. That makes driver attentiveness critical anytime you¡¦re on the road.

¡§People need to be careful and observant in areas that are known for deer,¡¨ he said, noting the key is to be a defensive driver.

The fall is always a heavy month for deer accidents as the animals become active searching for mates and for food. They are most active during the times around dawn and dusk.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported 25,006 deer-related crashes last year ¡X a total down almost 500 from the previous year. The number of injuries in 2007 from those crashes also decreased by almost 100 to 846.

Wood said high numbers would probably continue through January.

¡§Of course, you can strike a deer in July,¡¨ he added.

With a deer bounding onto the roadway or into the view of headlights, the first reaction for most drivers would be to miss the animal ¡X either turning into the ditch or the other lane of traffic. That reaction is probably the worst.

¡§You never want to strike anything, but swerving to avoid a deer is more hazardous that hitting the deer,¡¨ he said.

Swerving into the other lane opens the potential for a collision with oncoming traffic, while heading into the ditch can create similar problems, Wood said.

Several tips offered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources include:

ƒÞ Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop when deer might be present.

ƒÞ Be wary of deer doubling back across the road or other deer following it across the roadway.

ƒÞ Try flashing your headlights or honking your horn to move the deer along.

If a deer-related accident occurs, the driver can take possession of the animal. If not, any Illinois resident can claim the deer.