Fedex Truck Crashes Into Gaithersburg Home: MCFRS

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Authorities say the mail carrier thrown from a FedEx truck after crashing into a Gaithersburg home on Thursday is expected to be OK. Montgomery County fire and rescue officials have not disclosed the driver's identity or the extent of the injuries. However, they say the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

At about 2:30 p.m., the driver lost control of the delivery truck and crashed into a single-family home at 9501 Primrose View Court. The impact ejected the mail carrier from the truck and caused damage to the house.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer believes the driver crashed the vehicle while trying to avoid a deer in the road.

ICYMI (~230p) Primrose View Ct, single family house, delivery truck vehicle struck house, driver ejected, structural property damage, bldg inspector notified, @MCFRS_EMIHS transporting driver 1 adult Pri2 trauma, NLT, presumably driver swerved to avoid hitting a deer pic.twitter.com/3gEITm44l3
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) October 3, 2019

Deer-related vehicle crashes aren't uncommon, especially in the fall.

According to an annual study by State Farm, U.S. drivers — on average — have a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal. The insurance company estimates there were more than 1.9 million animal collision insurance claims between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.

For some perspective, State Farm actuaries say Americans have a 1 in 175 chance of being audited by the IRS, a 1 in 215 chance of dating a millionaire, a 1 in 220 chance of writing a New York Times bestseller, a 1 in 250 chance of learning their child is a genius, and a 1 in 563 chance of catching a ball at a Major League Baseball game.

Reducing Deer-Related Collisions
In an attempt to prevent deer-related issues, Montgomery Parks has published its Deer Management Plan. The plan, which can be found here, promotes safe driving tips, as well as procedures to follow in the event that a deer collides with your vehicle.

The most important way drivers can reduce the chances of an accident with a deer is to drive within the speed limit. At night, reduce speeds below the limit, especially in rain, snow, or fog.

Okay, but what if there's already a deer on the road?

Of course, every case is different. But in all situations, it is important to maintain control of your vehicle. Apply the brakes in a controlled manner, and avoid sudden, swerving maneuvers.

Deer are quick and agile animals. It is more likely that they will leap out of your path than it is that you will be able to slow down and steer around them. Most serious injuries occur when a driver skids out of control and leave the road or, worse, swerves into oncoming traffic.

Such circumstances arise quickly, allowing very little time to react. Try to think ahead. When you see a deer crossing sign, think about what you would do if you suddenly had a deer jump into the road. Mentally practice keeping a cool head and reacting in a controlled fashion.

If it should happen one day, you will be more likely to react appropriately.

SEE ALSO:

• Watch Out For More Deer: Preventing Crashes, Staying Safe