Winter Driving is Peak Season for Deer vs. Vehicle Crashes
With the onset of autumn, the school year is in full swing, and Illinois deer are traveling greater distances during this time of year. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists to be vigilant during this season as the animals become more active, especially in the early morning and evening hours.
Motorists are urged to consider the following safe driving tips during this season:
• Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to deer crossing signs.
• Scan the sides of the road for eye shine - the reflection of headlights in the eyes.
• Slow down if you see deer. They travel in groups, so more are likely nearby.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Deer can stop in the middle of the road or double back.
• If a collision is inevitable, try to glance the vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic.
More than 40% of crashes involving deer in Illinois occur in October, November, and December, with November being the highest-risk month. Rural environments were the site of nearly 90% of all crashes involving deer, with more than 70% occurring at twilight or nighttime.
If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder and turn on the hazard lights. Call 911 to report the accident so that law enforcement can assist. Do not get out of the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road.
Sign up for e-Lert today!
What is e-Lert?
SIUE's e-Lert is a text messaging service that will be used to quickly notify faculty, staff, and student cell phones when an urgent situation, such as a bomb threat, severe weather, hostile intruder, or when the University closes due to inclement weather. There is no cost to register for the alerts; however, standard rates may apply if your cell phone plan does not include text messaging.
How do I register for SIUE e-Lert?
If you are a student, faculty, or staff member, you can register by clicking the Sign Up Now link and entering your active e-id, password, and cell phone number. Each time you are notified to change your e-id password, you will also be allowed to enroll, update your cell phone number if it has changed, or cancel your registration with the system.
You will still receive alerts as long as you have the same cell phone number.
Rave Guardian
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) now offers the Rave Guardian app for its students and their families. Rave Guardian is one of the best ways to not only improve personal safety but also protect your friends by building a private safety network. This app provides instant communication with friends, family, campus safety, and even 9-1-1.
SIUE encourages all students throughout campus to utilize the app to network with friends and help increase the overall safety and security of the entire student body. An important part of the Guardian app is that students can use it not only to keep themselves safe but to help protect others. Even students who may not feel as if they need others to help keep them safe can utilize the app to be a guardian and help protect their friends.
Download Rave Guardian and Become a Guardian on Campus
Download Rave Guardian for Free The app is available for free on the Apple or Google app store.
Use Rave Guardian to Protect Yourself and Others
Set a Safety Time – Notify people you trust to check in on you if you are alone or in an unfamiliar place.
Manage and Message Your Guardians – Invite family, friends, or others to be your Guardian, and communicate with them within the app as needed.
Easy Emergency Communication – Call safety officials directly for help if you are in trouble and send text tips – including photos – if you see something suspicious.
Rave Guardian is a proven personal safety solution used on campuses across the country. To learn more, visit siue.edu/emergency.
