Oh Deer! When Rudolph Gets Too Close for Comfort

We all love the image of reindeer flying high above the rooftops on Christmas Eve. But here on the ground, deer (and other wildlife) are a serious hazard for drivers during the winter months.

While the holidays are known for busy shopping centers, many of us are also driving down dark, wooded backroads to visit family. Unfortunately, this time of year coincides with peak deer activity, and unlike other drivers, they don’t follow traffic signals.

It’s Not Just a Fender Bender Hitting a deer is a completely different experience than a low-speed parking lot bump. Because of the size of the animal and the speed of travel, the damage is often significant. It’s not just a cracked bumper; we often see:

• Shattered Headlights & Windshields: Impact often throws the animal upward, risking glass breakage.
• Hidden Radiator Damage: The front impact can push components backward, piercing the radiator and causing leaks that can destroy your engine if ignored.
• Sensor Calibration Issues: Modern cars have sensors in the front grille for cruise control and lane assist. These are almost always knocked out of alignment in wildlife collisions.

What to Do if You Spot One If a collision is unavoidable, do not swerve. Swerving often leads to running off the road or into oncoming traffic, which is far more dangerous than hitting the animal. Brake firmly and stay in your lane.

We Are Wildlife Repair Experts If you do have a run-in with nature this holiday season, Jerry’s Collision Center is ready to restore your vehicle. We specialize in the heavy structural repairs and precise sensor recalibrations often required after wildlife accidents.

We can inspect for hidden internal damage that a quick glance might miss, ensuring your car is safe to drive into the New Year.

Drive alert, scan the tree lines, and stay safe!