ILLINOIS (WCIA) — As autumn unfolds, drivers in Illinois should remain vigilant for deer on the roads, a cautionary note from the Illinois State Police. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) highlights fall as a peak period for deer-related collisions.

According to the IDNR, the majority of these incidents occur from October through December, with the highest risk times being between 5 to 10 p.m. and 5 to 8 a.m. Interestingly, another spike in deer-vehicle accidents is observed in May and June as deer migrate to new habitats.

The IDNR advises taking several precautions to minimize the chances of hitting a deer. Among these measures are: