The Deer and the Astro Van

It was lightly snowing that Friday evening. A group of friends had gathered in the parking lot. Their basketball team had just upset the number one team in their district and was now off to state. Though the snow was settling to the ground like a white blanket, the teens decided to head out to their friend Ben's house to continue the celebration.

Ann hopped into the driver's seat with Mike to the right. Allie, Chris, and Jordan sat in back. No one was thinking about anything other than the game and how much fun it will be to go to state. Ann pumped up the music while texting Ben that they were on their way. Mike was being unhelpful because he had turned in his seat to show those in back the Cheeto he had shoved up his nose. They, of course, were laughing hysterically. Ann tried to get the situation under control; however, she didn't try too hard to avoid being a mood squisher. It was at that moment Chris opened a can of Coke. It exploded everywhere. Ann turned and yelled out angrily for him to clean up her parents' van. Mike turned to the front to look at the road. He yelled that there was a deer running out in front of them. It was too late. 

Ann veered to the right before remembering "don't veer for deer." Her van slid into the ditch roughly. Everyone tumbled out. They were all right, but shaken up by the experience. Chris called his parents for help.

Ann now knew that being a party pooper was a much better alternative than ending up in the ditch and putting her friends in danger. It was quite an eye-opening experience for the passengers as well. Now they understand how real the dangers of distracted driving are, and everyone also got a reminder about winter driving. 

When driving conditions are anything but normal, remember to use caution, slow down and pay  attention.

- Iowa ranks 4th in U.S. for likelihood of a specific vehicle striking a deer in the next 12 months (1 in 104, Sept 09)

Radio Iowa Post (Nov 09)

State Farm (Sept 09)

Likelihood of Deer-Vehicle Collision (map pdf) 

Increase in Deer-Vehicle Collisions (map pdf)

Don't Veer for Deer Brochure (2005 pdf)

Media Team: Safety Krew