Howell Woman Hurt As Deer Smashes Windshield On Route 9: Police

HOWELL, NJ — A Howell Township woman escaped serious injury Monday morning after a deer crashed through her windshield on Route 9, and police said her quick thinking prevented it from being a fatal accident.

Melissa Misthal, 36, was driving a 2004 Toyota RAV4 south on Route 9 near Bergerville Road when a deer ran into the travel lanes, police said. Misthal swerved to avoid the deer but hit the animal while it was airborne.

The force of the impact collapsed the windshield an the roof of the vehicle and sent the male deer into the passenger compartment. It came to rest on the floor in the back seats, and was dead.

Misthal was injured, but despite the damage to the vehicle and not knowing whether the deer was still alive, was able to bring her vehicle to a stop safely on the shoulder of the road.

She was treated at the scene for a minor injury, police said.

"We praise the actions of Melissa. This had the potential of being deadly not only for her but for other motorists as well. She did everything right. Would you have done the same? Be an alert and prepared motorist!" police said.

Photos by Howell Township police