The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced that fatal crashes, injuries and the number of motorists killed in crashes involving deer declined in 2012.  IDOT and IDNR also reminded motorists to once again be alert for deer along roadways during one of the most active periods of the year for wildlife activity.  Motor vehicle crashes involving deer were responsible for four fatalities in 2012, a decrease from six fatalities in 2011. Injuries resulting from a motor vehicle – deer crash decreased from 613 in 2011 to 608 in 2012.  The number of deer-vehicle crashes decreased significantly to 15,489 in 2012, as compared to 18,044 in 2011.  Suggestions for motorists to avoid colliding with deer include being particularly cautious at dusk and dawn, when deer are most active.  Reduce speed and be prepared to stop, especially near water, farm fields and wooded areas.  Deer will cross the road and double back, so make sure deer have moved away before proceeding.  Be mindful that deer will follow each other.  Avoid swerving into traffic or off the road if deer are on the roadway. Instead, slow to a stop and wait for the deer to move along.  Flashing the headlights and honking the car horn will encourage deer to move off the road.