The physics between a collision of an automobile & deer: Is it better to go faster?

Question

I live in the Northeast and deer are a serious road hazard at times. A friend of mine claims if you accelerate when it appears you're about to collide with one it will do less damage to your car, and possibly save your life because it is more likely the deer will be turned to a moosh instead of a projectile to come through your windshield. Any thoughts? It would be preferable to have some sort of evidence to back up any theories. Thanks!

Answer 1

Because of the length of a deer's legs, it is always likely that in a collision, the deer will impact with the windshield, shattering it and possibly injuring or killing the driver.
I knew of a driver who was paralyzed this way.
Slow down.

Answer 2

I would say no stop for the deer, unless it is unavoidable.

I live in Northern Michigan and there are plenty of large deer (150LB plus) and I have seen many vehicles destroyed by them, most of the newer cars are 75% or more plastic (abs) parts and are easily broken even at 5 MPH.

So unless your driving a beater or a semi truck, STOP for the deer.

Answer 3

The point to hitting the gas instead of the brake is to raise the front of the vehicle and try to get the deer to go under the vehicle instead of onto it. Unless you are in a fairly large pickup or SUV I don't think it would work, and I say hit the brakes.

Answer 4

Believe me,,you cannot drive fast enough to hit a deer and turn it to Moosh.
The smaller the car, the more you should work to avoid the collision.

Answer 5

SLOW DOWN! The faster you hit the deer, the more force it will have coming into your windshield. Sure, you'll do more damage to the deer but you'll do more to your car, and possibly yourself.

Read through this page....

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=106854

Answer 6

yes its better to go faster