Staff Writer

DeKALB | Though rain and snow are common winter obstacles for motorists, an deer can cause just as much damage to a vehicle.

Kevin Hickey, chief deputy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, said there have been 15 accidents involving drivers and deer between Oct. 9 and Tuesday. Last fall, 155 deer-related car accidents were reported, he said.

“Typically, the most dangerous areas are rural areas outside the cities and in wooded areas, which seem to offer them shelter,” Hickey said.

The areas where deer-related accidents are most prevalent around DeKalb are the Kishwaukee River Valley, First Street, Annie Glidden Road, Bethany Road, Peace Road and Plank Road, Hickey said. Interstate 88 does not have as much deer traffic as rural roads, he said.

“On 88, we don’t have near the problems because the highway is fenced and the deer seem to be deterred by the fencing,” Hickey said.

To avoid a collision, Hickey suggests slowing down and driving cautiously in the aforementioned areas frequented by deer, especially during the hours of sunrise and sunset. Use of high-beam headlights is also recommended, as long as it does not distract other drivers.

Also, if a driver observes one deer, the odds are high that more will quickly follow, Hickey said.

“If a driver observes a deer or one crosses the road in front of them, the general rule is that there is a second or third deer,” he said.

Hickey said the reason for the increased deer presence is that farmers have harvested their fields, taking away shelter for the deer. He also said deer mating season is coming up, which is a very active time for deer around roadways.