Deer are a constant threat to our roads. They pop out around bends and curves, making it dangerous for drivers, especially at night. One Iowa SUV driver seemed to get instant karma for hitting a deer in the form of fire. 

Iowa SUV driver gets instant karma for striking a deer 

An SUV driver in Iowa was driving along Interstate 70 in Douglas County, Iowa when a deer suddenly hopped in front of his car. 

He hit it and the incident was reported as a crash around 2:07 PM. According to police officers, the 2023 Subaru Forester was traveling west when it struck the deer. 

The driver pulled over on the right shoulder of the interstate to assess the damage. Then the Subaru erupted in flames.

When firefighters arrived, the SUV was completely engulfed in flames. They also learned that the vehicle contained ammunition. 

But they were able to contain the fire in about 20 minutes. The SUV driver was identified as 70-year-old Wayne Skartvedt. 

He was alone in the SUV and wearing his seatbelt during the collision. According to WIBW, he was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A police report noted that the man injured his hand. 

It’s unclear how fast the Subaru SUV was traveling at the time, but at interstate speeds, it probably didn’t survive. Hitting a deer at 30 mph can cause significant damage. Deer are more active in the winter due to it being their mating season. 

To avoid hitting deer, remain alert and pay attention, flash your head lights to let a deer know you’re moving towards it, and use recently killed deer as a sign that more are around the area. Wear your seatbelt, and use your high beams to light up darker areas.