It is deer mating season and law enforcement authorities locally and across the area along with the Illinois Department of Transportation are urging Lawrence County and other drivers to be careful. Deer are more active this time of year, especially at dusk and dawn. Deer travel in groups so when you see one, there are probably others. Slow down when approaching the deer and do not veer to miss the deer. Last year in Illinois, there were more than 14,000 reported deer-vehicle collisions with most involving vehicle damage.