On a Friday evening at 7:13 p.m., near the intersection of Highway 13 and 13A, our family experienced a moment that changed everything. In the dim light and drifting snow, a buck jumped into the roadway at close range. There was no time to brake, no time to swerve, and no warning whatsoever.
The impact was violent. It shattered the front of the vehicle from headlight to headlight, forcing the engine compartment backward with enough force to deploy the airbag inside the cabin. In a fraction of a second, the interior filled with sound, force, and the chemical powder that airbags release.
Thankfully, my wife survived. The seatbelt, airbag, and overall structure of the SUV worked exactly as designed, likely saving her life and significantly reducing her injuries. She is recovering from whiplash and body trauma, and while healing will take time, we are profoundly grateful she is still with us. We are sharing this story to raise awareness about wildlife collisions, airbag injuries, and the physiological and emotional realities that unfold in the minutes after a serious crash.
Wildlife Collisions: A Serious and Underestimated Risk
Wildlife collisions are not minor incidents. They are high-energy, unpredictable events that place enormous forces on both the vehicle and the occupants. Across Canada, drivers experience over 45,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions annually, more than 570 people were killed in these collisions between 2000 and 2020, about one-third involve deer, and many occur at night, dusk, or dawn when visibility is lowest. A collision at 60 to 100 km/h with a 200 lb animal involves immense force.
Airbags: Lifesaving But Violent
Airbags are explosive safety devices, not soft cushions. During deployment, crash sensors detect sudden deceleration, a chemical igniter triggers a rapid reaction, nitrogen gas fills the bag at 150 to 220 mph, full deployment occurs in 20 to 30 milliseconds, and the airbag shoots toward the occupant, not away. While airbags prevent fatal chest and head injuries, they can also cause secondary injuries simply due to the speed of deployment. In our incident, the force of the deer pushed the engine compartment back, triggering the cabin airbag even without another vehicle involved.
Common airbag injuries include facial or dental injuries, chemical or friction burns, chest and rib trauma, wrist or forearm fractures, eye injuries, and concussions and neck strain. These risks increase when sitting too close, holding the wheel improperly, or when a large animal strikes high on the hood or windshield.
Understanding Shock After a Collision
One of the most overlooked dangers after a collision is physiological shock, the body's acute stress response to extreme force, fear, or injury. Even when outward injuries appear minor, shock can compromise circulation and decision-making. During trauma, the body floods with adrenaline and redirects blood flow to vital organs, which can temporarily mask pain, hide injuries, and create confusion.
Watch for rapid or shallow breathing, cold, pale, or clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, shaking, confusion, sudden fatigue, or feeling faint. Shock can worsen quickly, especially if internal injuries or significant emotional stress are present.
In this incident, my wife's medical training allowed her to recognize the signs early. She understood the adrenaline surge, monitored her breathing, stayed still, and kept herself calm and oriented while waiting for help, avoiding panic that can worsen shock and lead to poor decisions.
If you suspect shock, stay seated and still, keep warm, breathe slowly, avoid sudden movement, do not attempt to drive, tell responders how you feel, and let trained medical personnel evaluate you. Shock is a medical emergency, and anyone showing symptoms should be assessed by EMS as soon as possible.
Critical Steps After a Wildlife Collision
- Turn off the vehicle to reduce fire risk.
- Expect airbag dust and avoid inhaling it deeply.
- Stay inside the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
- Use your hazard lights.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Exit only if there is smoke or fire.
- Avoid moving your neck or spine.
In our situation, my wife's Apple Watch automatically detected the crash and called emergency services, which helped bring assistance quickly.
Our Final Reflection and Gratitude
The moments after a collision are surreal, and those impressions linger long after the scene is cleared. We are incredibly grateful our story did not end differently, and we extend heartfelt thanks to Corey and the volunteer emergency response team at the South Pigeon Lake Fire Department, along with the paramedics who arrived shortly afterward. Please drive carefully, especially during wildlife-active hours, and remember that wildlife collisions are never minor.
How TruStar Safety Can Support Your Business
We help organizations prepare for real-world driving risks with journey management plans (structured travel procedures to reduce risk for workers traveling in rural or wildlife-dense regions) and emergency response plans (clear, practical steps for what employees should do after a collision or roadside emergency). If your business needs to strengthen travel safety and response protocols, contact us.