Rural Illinois sign warns drivers of 'suicidal deer'

Drivers in rural Button Township in Ford County, Illinois, are being warned to look out for suicidal deer, Will Brumleve reports for the Ford County Record. Last year the county of about 14,000 residents had 33 reported vehicle-deer collisions. To warn drivers of the dangers of deer in roads, the Ford County Highway Department purchased four signs for $42 each that read, "Suicidal Deer." So far only one sign has been installed because of fear that the current one might be stolen or damaged, said Button Township Highway Commissioner Ron Hilligoss. (Brumleve photo)

Hilligoss said he got the idea to purchase the signs after his nephew sent him a picture of a similar sign he saw in Colorado, Brumleve writes. Hilligoss told Brumleve, “I thought it was really a good thing because it gets your attention. A lot of people see it. If you ask anybody where a deer crossing sign is, they couldn’t tell you, but they know where that one is at. It’s just nice to see something that constantly reminds you that there are deer running out there.” So far in 2016 the county has had one vehicle-deer collision.