Deer hit the wheel with 0 damage to the truck 😁

You know, you hear stories about deer collisions all the time, but you never think it'll happen to you – especially not like this! I was just driving along Indiana SR 63, heading through Vermillion County a few nights ago. It was just after dusk, and I was doing about 63 MPH, minding my own business, when suddenly, a deer just materialized out of nowhere on the side of the road. Before I could even react, it darted right into my path. My heart absolutely leaped into my throat. There was a sickening thud, and I braced for the worst. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road, hands shaking, expecting to see a crumpled fender, a shattered headlight, or worse. But when I got out and shined my flashlight around... nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not a scratch, not a dent, not even a scuff mark where it hit my wheel well. I walked around the entire truck, checked the undercarriage, looked at the tires – completely pristine. I'm still pinching myself! It was truly an unbelievable moment. While I was incredibly lucky this time, it got me thinking about what you should do if you're not so fortunate. Hitting a deer can be terrifying and dangerous, so here's what I've learned and what you should definitely keep in mind: First things first, if you hit a deer, try to stay calm and safely pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights. Your immediate safety is the priority. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, a jolt can cause hidden issues. Next, assess your vehicle. Even if it looks okay from a distance, get out and check for damage – carefully. Look for fluid leaks, bent metal, or tire damage. If your vehicle isn't safe to drive (e.g., steering issues, flat tire, major leaks), don't try to move it. It's usually a good idea to report the collision to law enforcement, especially if there's significant damage to your vehicle, injuries, or if the animal is blocking the roadway. They can help with traffic control, file an accident report (which can be crucial for insurance claims), and handle the animal if necessary. In my case, since there was no damage and the deer quickly ran off, I didn't call, but for most situations, it's wise to make that call. When it comes to insurance, most deer collisions are covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision. It's always best to check your policy. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle's damage, and anything else relevant for your claim. Documenting everything helps a lot. Now, shifting gears to prevention. While you can't always avoid a deer, especially when they dart out like the one on SR 63, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Be extra vigilant during dawn and dusk – these are prime times for deer activity. Slow down in areas with deer crossing signs or known deer populations, particularly in rural areas like Vermillion County. Use your high beams when possible to spot deer further away, but remember to dim them for oncoming traffic. Avoid swerving dramatically to miss a deer, as this can lead to losing control and potentially a more serious accident involving other vehicles or fixed objects. Sometimes, hitting the deer is the safer option than swerving into another lane or off the road. This incident was a stark reminder of how quickly things can change on the road. I'm incredibly grateful my truck came out unscathed, but it's a wake-up call to always be prepared. Drive defensively, stay alert, and know what to do if the unexpected happens. Hopefully, my experience can help someone else be a little more prepared if they find themselves in a similar, heart-stopping situation.