Child among three to escape injury in shock deer collision - Donegal Daily

Motorists across Donegal are being urged to be on high alert for deer after a car carrying two men and a young child was wrecked in a frightening collision in C...

Motorists across Donegal are being urged to be on high alert for deer after a car carrying two men and a young child was wrecked in a frightening collision in Crolly last night.

The occupants were left badly shaken after a massive deer suddenly jumped onto their vehicle on Tuesday evening.

Councillor Denis McGee, who assisted at the scene, said it was lucky that all three occupants escaped injury.

"There is no time to react," Cllr McGee warned, describing how the animal suddenly appeared as the car came around a bend in the road on the N56.

He said the impact of the "massive" deer completely wrecked the car, leaving it a write-off.

"They were all very shook up, especially when there was a child in the car. Thank God they were all alright and the child was fine."

Gardaí also attended the scene, where the damaged vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The deer was removed within an hour and the area was cleared soon after.

Cllr McGee is urging motorists to be especially vigilant along roads around Glenveagh National Park and throughout west Donegal, where deer can appear without warning.

"People need to be aware of their surroundings at all times," he warned.

"Anywhere close to Glenveagh, from Dungloe all the way out to Termon, and Fintown too.

"The amount of damage a deer can cause to a car is frightening."

The incident comes during the annual deer rutting season, which generally runs from late September into early November.

During this period, male deer become more active and travel in search of females, increasing the risk of collisions as animals can suddenly emerge onto roads, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Gardaí issued a warning last month following reports of deer-related collisions in the Bunbeg and Bruckless areas.

The advice from Gardaí is: "Be prepared. Ensure that you are always in a position to stop suddenly should you encounter deer on the road.

"Reduce your speed, especially in areas where there is a warning sign for deer.

"Should you see a deer on the road, dip your headlights as the full beam may cause them to freeze.

"If you are involved in road traffic collision involving a deer or if you witness such an incident, you are advised to contact Gardaí immediately."