Deer strike

[mstanis]

Well unfortunately I have joined the deer strike club. Hit a 200 lb. deer this week with my 2023 R1T. I was going about 50 mph and she jumped directly in front and I am thinking my truck might be totaled given the damage. Love the truck and if insurance does total it, I will definitely get another one. My drive camera did not even see it, the video just stops. Hard to tell from the photo but lots of damage behind the front. Both radiators pushed back and all the sensors are wiped out. The frunk is deformed back and left fender is bent and pushed back as well as the right one is pushed back.
Just thought I would share and remind folks be careful out there this time of year.

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[Donald Stanfield]

Everyone okay? Did you get to keep the deer?

 

[COdogman]

Oof. I am always amazed at how much damage they can do. I hate to say it, but I think you might be right about it being totaled. Hope everyone in the truck is ok.

 

[mstanis]

Thanks for asking. Yes, it was just me and doing fine. Did not keep the deer since I have 3 kayaks in the bed. I should know next week if its going to get fixed or will be shopping for a new one.

 

[lefkonj]

This time of year this is my biggest fear on the roads, especially at specific times of day. Was driving somewhere this morning at 630AM with fog, I was scanning all over checking for deer.

 

[Dave Cundiff]

I learned this the hard way:

Deer have the good sense and judgment of a human three-year-old, but they move faster.

When I see a deer anywhere in my field of vision, I brake as if it were a human in the same unrestrained situation -- and a lot closer to me!

Others don't always like this, but I drive much more comfortably.

I figure if I hit a deer or elk anyway, the truck and the animal will suffer a lot but my wife and I will otherwise be fine.

Best to all!

 

[Zoidz]

When I see a deer anywhere in my field of vision, I brake as if it were a human in the same unrestrained situation -- and a lot closer to me!!

Yup, that’s the best thing to do. And then look for MORE deer if one crosses in front of you without getting hit. If there is one, odds are good that there are more. Not unlike wack-a-mole.

 

[dradam]

Glad you’re OK. The deer is the most dangerous animal in the United States.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Wow hope all are ok. How big was it?

My sister dated a guy once and he always brought deer jerky to every family gathering.

 

[usulio]

Thanks for asking. Yes, it was just me and doing fine. Did not keep the deer since I have 3 kayaks in the bed. I should know next week if its going to get fixed or will be shopping for a new one.

Were you able to drive home or to another destination afterward?

 

[ThumprMN]

Glad youre ok… hitting a deer has been a fear of mine. Curious, did the airbags deploy? I’m assuming not?

 

[mstanis]

Good morning. Air bags did not deploy and I was able to get back home but needed to turn off all collision alerts since they were not happy. Drove slow and stopped a lot to check on things.

 

[BCondrey]

Yup, that’s the best thing to do. And then look for MORE deer if one crosses in front of you without getting hit. If there is one, odds are good that there are more. Not unlike wack-a-mole.

This is so true. If you see one, assume there is another one.

 

[RIvian_Badger]

Another deer strike member We were driving home from the State Cross Country meet around 7 pm (dark), driving through one of the state forests, when a deer jumped out right in front of us, striking the left front of the truck. We were going 50mph--not even time to brake. Just got the estimate from the Collison shop--$22K.

Frustratingly, I was also hit in March 2024 by another motorist who pulled out in front of a right turning car, which caused $30K in damages. I wonder if its time to move back to an old F150--I had the truck for 12 years and was never hit.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I don’t see how changing vehicles will help you at all.

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