Lombard police logged a deer-vehicle crash at Columbine and Saint Charles Road on Oct. 11, one week before state officials warned of peak deer-crash season.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) issued a joint warning Oct. 17, first reported by Shaw Local. In 2025, 41% of the state's deer-involved crashes happened in October, November and December. November was the highest-risk month.

Statewide, 14,529 crashes involved deer in 2025. Of those, 677 caused injuries and six killed seven people.

"Deer are on the move throughout the state, increasing your chances of encountering one at any time," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said in the release. She urged drivers to stay alert during routine trips and daily commutes.

The warning applies to suburban DuPage County, too. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County warned drivers in a 2024 advisory that October through December is breeding season. District ecologist Brian Kraskiewicz said deer cross busy roads searching for mates, especially around dawn and dusk.

Eight in 10 deer crashes statewide happened at twilight or at night, according to the agencies. About 69% occurred on rural roads, but IDOT and IDNR said deer also thrive in suburbs and cities.

IDNR Director Jim Montgomery said in the release that deer are active statewide during fall mating season and called on drivers to use extra caution.

The Lombard crash on Oct. 11 involved a driver and a deer at the Columbine and Saint Charles Road intersection, according to the Lombard Police Department press log. No injuries were listed.

IDOT and IDNR offered several tips for drivers:

  • Slow down if you spot a deer. They travel in groups, so expect more to follow.
  • Scan the roadside for eye shine, the reflection of headlights in a deer's eyes.
  • Do not swerve. If a collision is unavoidable, stay in your lane rather than veering into oncoming traffic.
  • Wear a seat belt. It is the best defense in any crash.

The DuPage Forest Preserve District added that drivers should not rely solely on automatic emergency braking systems, which may not recognize large animals.

If you hit a deer, pull onto the shoulder, turn on hazard lights and call 911. Do not exit the vehicle to check on the animal. Illinois law requires drivers to report any deer-related crash with more than $1,500 in damage to police.