Oh, deer!

Linda and I drove to London, Ontario to visit a friend and go to one of the big Christmas Bazaars there, together. It went well. We had a good time and proceeded on to Stratford for another engagement when, north of Ballymote, a young deer - a doe - popped up out of the deep ditch and right in front of our car.

We - and it - had not chance to avoid each other. I tapped the brakes and slowed down a bit but it didn't matter. It hit us and up and over it went. In 35 years of driving, I've never hit an animal that big. Mercifully, it perished instantly and it wasn't a messy affair. Luckily, it didn't go through our windshield. I pulled over and looked at the damage. A car behind us pulled over and asked if we were okay. We then turned around to check on the deer. It was dead but lying in the middle of the highway so I dragged it off to keep other drivers safe. Fortunately, it wasn't very busy on the road. The police came and took some notes and sent us off.

Before he arrived, another passerby checked on us to see if we were okay and to ask if we were keeping the deceased deer. We said no. He asked if he could have it and I said that would be fine. I took some photos for the police and insurance. It is not uncommon to hit dear in that patch of farmland nor is it odd to grab the carcass for venison steaks. As I said it wasn't messy. So, he put it in his pickup and drove off. At least the beast will not go to waste.

All in all, the situation could have ended up much worse. I maintained control of the car, there were no other cars immediately around or upon us to hit us if we had spun out. The deer caused moderate damage to the car and it was deemed fine to drive on with a broken headlight assembly, dislocated bumper panel, and a slightly crumpled hood. Now the paperwork begins.

UPDATE: The insurer wrote off the car! WHAT? Apparently, it cost more to repair it than it is worth. Bummer.