Illinois police urge drivers to be wary of deer

The Illinois State Police is warning drivers to be aware of deer this fall, especially in rural parts of the state.

The department says more than 20,000 deer are involved in Illinois traffic accidents each year and autumn is one of the most dangerous times of year for drivers. Trooper Tracy Lillard, a safety education officer, tells the (Peoria) Journal Star that cultivated fields, wooded areas and plains are common settings for accidents involving vehicles and deer.

State police also say many of the accidents occur during dawn or dusk.

Lillard says drivers should steer and brake within their designated lane instead of swerving to avoid deer.