A routine drive turned into a nightmare scenario for Indianapolis resident Cheyenne Sears when a deer spectacularly smashed through her car windscreen in a terrifying motorway collision.
The shocking incident, captured on dashcam footage, shows the moment the animal leaped across multiple lanes of traffic before crashing directly into Sears' vehicle on Interstate 465.
A Split-Second Impact
"It happened so fast," Sears recounted from her hospital bed. "One second I'm driving normally, the next there's glass everywhere and this deer is in my passenger seat."
The dramatic footage reveals the deer clearing several lanes before making catastrophic contact with Sears' car, demonstrating how quickly wildlife encounters can turn dangerous on high-speed roads.
Miraculous Survival Amid Serious Injuries
Despite the violent nature of the collision, Sears managed to maintain enough control to pull her vehicle to safety. Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting her to hospital with significant but non-life-threatening injuries.
Medical professionals confirmed she suffered multiple injuries including a broken collarbone and severe bruising, but expressed relief the outcome wasn't more serious given the circumstances.
Rising Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions
This incident highlights the growing concern about wildlife-vehicle collisions in suburban and semi-rural areas. Statistics show these accidents peak during autumn months when deer are most active.
Transport authorities advise motorists in areas with high deer populations to:
- Remain especially vigilant during dawn and dusk hours
- Reduce speed in marked wildlife crossing zones
- Use high beams when possible to spot animals earlier
- Never swerve violently to avoid animals, which can cause more serious accidents
Sears' remarkable survival story serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to maintaining composure during unexpected emergencies on the road.
