Veering for deer and drinking beer leads to collision with house

HILLSBORO — When a deer, some beer, and a house crossed paths Wednesday, May 29, around 8:30 p.m. emergency personnel responded to reports of a single vehicle accident in the 1200 block of Salem Road in Hillsboro.

“An investigation determined the vehicle was traveling westbound in the 1200-grid of Salem Road when the driver swerved from hitting a deer and ran off the road into an unoccupied house,” a news release from Henry County Sheriff’s Office states.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Health Center, Salem Fire, Hillsboro Fire, Hillsboro Police, and the Iowa State Patrol assisted at the scene.

According to the criminal complaint filed with the courts, Henry County Sheriff Deputy Cassandra Kraft identified driver Trevor Schneider, 33 of Bonaparte. Schneider refused medical attention and no other injuries were reported.

Kraft stated that she spoke with Schneider and reported he informed her, “he had been drinking ‘beer’ alcoholic beverage(s) previously in the night.”

After a preliminary breath test sample indicated results over the legal blood alcohol content, Schneider was charged with Operating While Under the Influence, third offense, a Class D felony. He also received a citation for failure to maintain control.

While reports indicate alcohol likely played a role in this collision, drivers should keep in mind the Iowa Department of Transportation’s advice to not veer for deer or other animals they may encounter in the roadway.

“If you see a deer on or near the road, brake firmly, but don’t swerve out of your lane, either into oncoming traffic or off the shoulder or into the ditch,” the Iowa DOT advises. “If you hit a deer, move your vehicle to a safe place and call 911. Not all insurance companies require you to file a police report when you hit a deer, but it is advisable to contact authorities. By reporting the crash, you help the Iowa departments of Transportation and Natural Resources track deer collisions and monitor where more fencing or signs might be helpful. Keep your distance. If you do hit a deer, don’t approach it. That deer is a wild animal and if it is injured and frightened, it can be very dangerous. The police will call the proper authorities to remove the deer.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com