Question Odyssey versus a deer - what to do about my seats

ctbcleveland · Feb 19, 2010

So, last night I hit a deer

I am fine. The deer literally bounced a few times, then stood up and ran away. The police were not involved and the car was driven home.

Visible vehicle damage:

Crack in the bumper that is about a foot long.
Crack in the grill
Hood is pushed in in one spot by a couple of inches.

See attached photobucket pictures: If it asks for a password, try deerohno

http://s314.photobucket.com/albums/ll410/ctbcleveland/Deer/

I was accompanied by my safeseat 1 base and my radian (no kids inside).

Hitting the deer felt no more severe than hitting one of those concrete blocks in front of a parking space. But, there is a fair amount of vehicle damage.

Based on what you see, would you replace the seats?

Joyofbirth · Feb 19, 2010

I would. But I am pretty extreme in my views on replacing. I'm just not sure how the seat fared and I'm not gonna take a chance. I mean my child's life may depend on it someday.

joolsplus3 · Feb 19, 2010

Graco would say to (I think they want you to replace your seat after your child passes wind too hard in their seats, though...), not sure about Sunshine Kids, don't they follow the NHTSA replacement rules?
NHTSA rules are here... http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/ChildRestraints/ReUse/RestraintReUse.htm

ctbcleveland · Feb 19, 2010

Well - according to an older post by Jeanum, SKJP recommends replacing them, but the link on their website is broken, so I can't read it myself.

My mental rule was always that it was an accident if I called the cops. I've run over potholes that have jolted me more than this, but in reality, I would have called the cops had a car hit me, rather than an animal.

joolsplus3 · Feb 19, 2010

Isn't calling the cops just a function of getting the right insurance company to pony up for the damage, though? Not an indication of how damaged the car is.

Even California, a state with a pretty strict seat replacement rule, says the seat has to be occupied. Your seats weren't occupied, what forces were placed on them that are worse than a good solid installation tug?

"Minor crashes are those that meet ALL of the following criteria:

The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site;
The vehicle door nearest the safety seat was undamaged;
There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants;
The air bags (if present) did not deploy; AND
There is no visible damage to the safety seat"

joolsplus3 · Feb 19, 2010

PS, if you feel better replacing your seats, by all means, do it.

ctbcleveland · Feb 19, 2010

Julie -

I am really not worried about the seats. They were unoccupied and when I think about the rest of the crap in my car (my purse, my briefcase, etc.), it did not go flying.

I just wish that all manufacturers had the Britax rule. If this was the case, I'd never have asked the question.

joolsplus3 · Feb 19, 2010

LOL, got it. Yeah, how much money and landfill space and insurance hassles could be avoided if everyone had the same rule

I feel bad about your car, though, what a pain to have to get body work done, no matter how minor, it's inconvenient. Glad the deer survived

Judi · Feb 19, 2010

Wow, your deer did good at getting away. When I got hit, most of my passenger side was dented. Also, I felt close to nothing. Glad you are ok!

Question Odyssey versus a deer - what to do about my seats

ctbcleveland

Well-known member

Joyofbirth

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joolsplus3

Admin - CPS Technician

ctbcleveland

Well-known member

joolsplus3

Admin - CPS Technician

joolsplus3

Admin - CPS Technician

ctbcleveland

Well-known member

joolsplus3

Admin - CPS Technician

Judi

CPST/Firefighter

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