Fall is here and so is the need for caution on the roads in regard to deer crossing.

According to a press release from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, this is the time of year where many deer-related accidents occur. Because of fall harvest and mating season, deer move – and cross roadways – more frequently.

According to the press release, mating season is one of the most frequent periods where deer and vehicle accidents take place, and drivers are encouraged to pay attention to the areas where deer crossing signs are placed.

The release also stated over 90 deer-related accidents happened last year. Since the beginning of October, there have been 10 animal-related vehicle accidents. Eight of those accidents involved deer.

The most common areas for deer related accidents are near woods, waterways and farm fields throughout NIU’s campus.

“In DeKalb, the most common places can be from everywhere to cornfields, wooded areas and areas South of DeKalb,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott.

Some drivers have had experiences with deer while driving.

“I’ve seen a few deer by Peace Road, but I’ve managed to avoid hitting them,” said DeKalb resident Devan McNeal.

Deer appear in areas where local farmers are plowing and taking down corn, and may even appear by the tollways, Scott said.

The release stated the time drivers should be the most cautious is during dusk. Pre-dawn and early evenings are the most crucial times of day when deer and vehicle accidents occur. Scott also said taking precautionary steps can help prevent an increase in rising numbers.

Paying attention to basic safety rules when traveling on roads can decrease the likelihood of an accident occurring.

“When driving to work early in the morning, I always remember to turn my high beam lights on,” said junior nursing major Tiffanie Love. “It helps to enhance my vision and looking out for animals on the road.”

According the release, driving with high beams on can also help make deer more visible when driving. Modern quartz-halogen headlamps are also more effective when driving on roads.

Hit and run deer and vehicle accidents happen frequently but have no real penalty, Scott said. Scott recommends reporting incidents for of car damages and insurance purposes.

Scott also said drivers should be cautious of swerving and merging into lanes, which can cause fatal accidents and increase the amount of damages done to cars.

Drivers should remain calm after an accident involving a deer and look out for other crossing deer as well, Scott said. Drivers should be especially careful before driving away, and should make sure a second or third deer does not follow the first.

“Deer aren’t usually traveling by themselves,” Scott said. “It could be two or three of them, or as many as five.”

Reducing speed and watching a deer’s behavior can help prevent more accidents in the rural farmland area, the release stated.