Posted on 04/04/2022 5:13:07 PM PDT by SamAdams76
Well it finally happened. After decades of commuting to work during the dawn and dusk hours of the day through heavily wooded areas, this morning, my automobile struck a deer.
I always looked forward to seeing the deer during my commutes, usually standing around in meadows and fields, sometimes crossing the road in front of me. Always took care to avoid them when I could, though I did have a close call here and there when one hurtled across the road right in front of me.
This morning was different. I was near the Easton/Westport line in Connecticut on a rural road when one leaped in front of me with no time to take evasive action.
At around 35mph, my Subaru Outback sent that deer in a total 360 across the road where it skidded on the pavement to a rather inglorious landing, leaving a skid mark of fur.
The deer was not killed (yet) but was rather angry. I came to a complete stop and that deer got up and attacked my car. That is to say, it hobbled, obviously in intense pain, and smashed its body against the driver's side of my car. I had to drive down the road a bit until the crippled deer limped away into the woods.
Unfortunately the deer is probably a goner. If it did not die later of internal injuries, it is likely being made a meal of tonight by the local coyotes.
The damage to my Subaru was surprisingly minor. The grille and front bumper cover was cracked pretty good in several places but no hood damage at all. Headlights fully intact and still working.
The local police had no interest in the matter as nobody was hurt and there was no deer carcass in the road to deal with. I called my insurance company and they told me that this happens all the time and that they are glad there was no other personal or property damage involved. I'm to take my car into a body shop tomorrow morning for an estimate but in the meantime, the car is totally drivable and other than the cracks in the front part, still looks brand new.
I guess I was lucky. Although I can't say the same for the deer. I wish they would not jump out in front of cars like they do.
I knew a guy, years ago, whose car was attacked in similar fashion by a Great Dane. The car survived the encounter (with $2000 in damage, mostly to a passenger-side door), but the dog did not...
Here’s my observations on deer and I’ve hit one square on and one a glancing blow. If you see a deer, no matter which way it’s facing, slow down. They change direction instantly and they will mostly go in the “wrong” direction. If one deer has crossed the road there may be several following on at speed. They can leap straight up and land directly in front of you before you can react.
The reason deer incidents can be deadly is because they go through the windshield and kick the driver to death.
They do not make any attempt to avoid cars.
Glad you’re OK. I’ve been there too, with four deer hits, and one causing a large amount of damage. Numerous other times slamming on the brakes to avoid them.
But my brother-in-law wins the prize. He once had a deer slam into his passenger side door at full speed. My BIL was at an intersection. Stopped. At a red light. They’re not very bright animals...
I never realized that deer could run that fast. Seventy five MPH is really booking it.
Many years ago, I watched in my rear view mirror a deer running jumped over the medium concrete on the Pennsylvania turnpike.
Luckily no one was hurt and the deer lived for another day.
Glad you are Ok.
Hitting a deer is not so bad.
Long legs, high center of gravity.
Totally different than hitting a big hog!
Haha! I should have proofed that post!
Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug.
That’s because they always forget to paint the zebras on the road.
Needless to say I considered myself very lucky that day. 🙂
You can now buy thermal cameras for your car.
They are $1700.
They’ll keep coming down.
Though I hear that the worst deer accidents are when drivers take evasive action, causing them to swerve into oncoming traffic or off the road entirely causing them to hit a tree or a fence.
I hit this one straight on.
"hit one going 75 mph"
I’m still picking deer fur out of my drivers door lock from 10 years ago!
12 PT buck, pissed the hunter to no end, yum!
My red Tacoma has attained ace status, with five deer hits... although in reality only one was hit by the truck, the other four ran into the side or rear due to the pilots evasive maneuvers, although they still each sadly met their end.
You’re a good writer.
Dear these days are so spoiled.
My daughter has hit 2 deer a couple of years apart. I’m always apprehensive when I’m with her
You should see when they hit a moose, break legs, and you get out of your truck and shoot it. moose goes spinning around across the road. Sad thing is usually they have a calf.
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