The police responded to a shocking accident on Wednesday morning, which involved a deer that jumped from the overpass of Route 3 and crashed through the windshield of a southbound vehicle on Route 21 in Clifton, according to authorities.
After the deer ended up in the lap of the 45-year-old driver of a 2016 Jeep Compass, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a 2022 BMW X5 and the road barriers. The accident occurred at 7:39 a.m., according to the police.
"I don't think we've ever had something like this before," said Lieutenant Detective Robert Bracken, the Clifton Police Public Information Officer.
The driver, believed to have suffered only minor injuries, was taken to a local hospital.
Bracken said that patrol units, after providing medical treatment to the victims, reopened the road. However, he warned that while this incident was unusual, deer can be found throughout the city.
"They're everywhere," he said.
During this time of year, known as the fall mating season, deer are more likely to suddenly run onto roads as males chase females, increasing the risk of collision with a vehicle. Deer activity is more likely to occur early in the morning and at dusk when visibility can be difficult.
"Deer are involved in thousands of motor vehicle collisions in New Jersey each year, with the highest number occurring during the fall mating season," said Dave Golden, Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. "We urge all drivers to be especially vigilant for the possibility of deer jumping onto roads suddenly and to be aware of the measures they can take to reduce the risk of a collision and potential serious injuries to themselves or their passengers."
Originally posted at Liga Legal®
