Divine Intervention??

[Barrier2]

On the way back from Lancaster, PA at about 5:00 AM we had a very close encounter with a Deer. We were doing about 55 on rt 222 a very dark road at that time,the deer moved right then turned and went left. A loud bang we hit her broadside. No way to avoid her. We were very lucky, no injuries to either of us,unfortunately the Deer was not as lucky. As I looked in the rear view the deer got up and I am not sure what happened to her as I said we were doing 55. As soon as we could we pulled over safely and inspected the Coach we were prepared for the worst. It appeared as if the impact was centered just past the Generator slide door missing the door completely this was on the drivers side. The Bumper area was pushed in about 6-7 inches at the joint with the Generator Slide and it looked as if the section beneath the windshield was cracked and split, the headlight was pointed down.The wheel seemed to have a vibration.
We drove to the next exit and pulled into an all night Supermarket where a better inspection could take place.
After sliding out the generator we could not believe what had happened, This Coach is absolutely amazing! There is a rectangular projection on the inside of the bumper area, this lines up with steel pad on the frame about 8" toward the rear, there is a slotted brace with a bolt on it attached to the projection on the inner bumper area going to the frame rail. After loosening the bolt the whole Bumper just moved out and with with very little persuasion, back into place. When the bolt was tightened everything just lined up. The crack was not cracked, but just a shadow.The vibration must have been air turbulence at the juncture of the bumper area and Gen Door.This is all on our 2001 Monaco Dynasty.
Talk about crash worthiness, 5 MPH Bumpers? How about 55 MPH Bumpers.
Years ago my wife and I watched in horror as a Deer bounded across the NYS Thruway and got Hit by a car. The deers body destroyed the Grill, Bounced off the Hood, Smashed the Windshield, went over the car denting both the Roof and Trunk. Fortunately for the occupants neither were hurt just traumatized. The deer was not as lucky. But the car was really damaged. We have always remembered that. We now have our own Deer Story.
We are both still in shock from the accident as well as our Unbelievable LUCK, and perhaps Divine Intervention.
Barrier
We still cannot believe it.

[Ed S]

oh man, you must be living right!! Glad to hear you and the coach are well.

Ed

[cb5300]

Now is the time to buy that Lottery Ticket!

[TXiceman]

Glad everyone is OK. We had a 3 week old explorer that got the chance to go deer hunting in west Texas....broke a head light, damaged the corner of the hood and fender.

Ken

[-Gramps-]

My brother and I hit a deer hound chasing a deer that we just missed. It destroyed the front end of his Subaru and took out the radiator. You are very fortunate indeed.

[MonacoMama]

WOW!!! I hope the only "deer story" that I have to tell ends with "yes, Dear" said from either SacsTC or I!
I am glad to hear you two are okay -it definitely could have been much worst!

[Joe-K]

It's great to hear that you and the rig both faired well! I've hit a few myself over the years and it's not a pleasent thing to do.

I just heard on the radio yesterday, that Pennsyvania is rated the highest for vehicle/deer collisions and October/November are the worst months.

When driving just before sunrise or right around sunset, be very alert for deer and in the event you should encounter one, a critical thing to remember is not to swerve trying to avoid the deer. Braking is appropriate, but many people are injured in swerving off the road or loosing control when trying to avoid deer collisions.