Illinois Had Fewer Deer-Vehicle Crashes in 2008

Hundreds fewer deer-vehicle crashes happened in Illinois last year, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The department has released statistics showing there were 814 fewer crashes between vehicles and deer in 2008 than there were in 2007.

There were 24,212 deer-vehicle crashes reported in 2008 in Illinois. The department also says fewer motorists were injured in the crashes – 758 in 2008 compared with 843 in 2007.

Both the state transportation department and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources say motorists should be aware that deer are more active during the fall and during the dawn and dusk hours. Officials say motorists should wear their seat belts and be alert to deer on roadways.