A late-night run along U.S. Highway 412 in Noble County turned tragic early Sunday when a Stillwater woman was killed after her car hit a deer and was then struck by a pickup, authorities said. The collision left at least one passenger hurt, while the pickup driver walked away uninjured.
Crash Details From OHP Report
According to an Oklahoma Highway Patrol collision report, a Kia Forte traveling east on U.S. Highway 412 hit a deer at about 12:35 a.m. Sunday. Troopers said the car came to a stop in the outside lane as the occupants waited for help.
While the Kia was stopped, a Ford F-250 crashed into it, sending both vehicles off the roadway, according to the report. Troopers identified the driver of the Kia as 24-year-old Haylee Lopez of Stillwater. A passenger in the Forte was injured, though officials had not released an update on their condition. The driver of the Ford F-250 was not hurt. These details were reported by KOCO.
Deer Collisions Are A Frequent Hazard
Crashes involving deer and other animals are a familiar threat on rural roads, especially in the overnight hours, and insurers see a steady stream of animal-related claims every year. State Farm estimates roughly 1.8 million animal-collision claims were filed across the United States between July 2023 and June 2024, with deer responsible for most of those incidents.
Safety Advice After An Animal Strike
Safety organizations say that if a driver hits a deer, the first priority is to get the vehicle to a safe location off the roadway if it is drivable, then activate hazard lights. Drivers are urged to call 911 for any injuries or if a disabled vehicle is blocking traffic, and to avoid approaching an injured animal.
Authorities also warn that leaving a disabled vehicle sitting in a travel lane can set the stage for a deadly secondary crash. They note that braking firmly and holding your lane is often safer than swerving, which can lead to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles. The Insurance Information Institute outlines these and other precautions for avoiding and handling deer collisions.
Investigation Ongoing
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is leading the investigation and provided the sequence of events in its collision report to media outlets. Officials had not released additional information at the time of reporting, according to KOCO.
