CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) said there are some important things to keep in mind with the changing of the seasons.

Deer mate in the fall, meaning that right now is a time of increased deer activity between dawn and dusk until December.

Illinois DNR said to stay alert while driving and to not "veer for deer." If a collision is inevitable, they said to glance your vehicle off the deer. They also reminded drivers not to swerve into opposite lanes of traffic.

If you do hit a deer, IDNR said it's important to report the accident to your local law enforcement or a conservation police officer. Your local conservation police can be found here.