LARGE Deer vs. Winter Tires
 

I was driving on 48 in Lebanon, Ohio last night around 6:45pm. It was already dark out and I was heading downtown with my Dad to watch my UC Bearcats lose to another mid major program. GO CATS

I was driving about 60 mph on 48 about half a mile from the 71S entrance ramp. My Dad and I are talking and he, out of no where says "Oh SH&T not good not good..." Out of the corner of my eye I see a HUGE deer bolting straight toward my car, about 10 yard away and closing. It was surreal... I only saw the deer for a split second, but I could still pick him out of a line-up... what happened next was pure reflex that I attribute to years and years of playing Gran Turismo 4 with a steering wheel...

I was in the far right lane with a decent sized shoulder... and without thinking, I reacted... and the results are still shocking to me. As I saw the deer I immediately got on the brakes hard and jerked the car to the right... I was AMAZED when I didn't hit anything (deer)... I must have just missed him, by inches. The ABS flicked for a second and before I knew it the car was back in the lane heading straight... What a rush. This deer probably would have come through the windshield had I not swerved... it was MASSIVE. Going 25 mph and sweving is one thing... but 60 mph is a whole other feeling.

What is really amazing, just one week prior I installed Dunlop Winter Sport M3's that I purchased used off a member from the forum. These tires performed GREAT. I didn't fish tail, slide or anything... the car just gripped and righted itself before I could get the second cuss word out!!! Big ups to Dunlop, something tells me in the cold drizzle we were having... if I had left the stock worn tires on the car I would have been a bit late for the UC game...

Just thought I would share my experience... and though on how important handling is for a car, not just for fun twisties... but also for when you truely need it.

Tim

Glad to hear you're okay Tim. Effin deer...

props on the handling...

The Dunlops' saved my A$$ a couple of times in the winter months......I am very impressed with the tire overall.

I think the ride is much smoother as well compared to my summer perfomance Michelin's.....and half as noisy.

GR8tG35... I agree with you completely. My summer setup was the stock 19's with the stock tires. These are 18" wheels with the m3's and the ride is noticeably smoother and quieter... and I have a bit more grip than before (stockers had 29,000 miles on them).

I am very happy with the purchase so far... now bring on the snow :)

you better thank your traction control more then anything.

NICE, my friend drives a big, lifted truck and actually hit a deer yesterday...Sports car FTW! haha Yeah if anyone doesn't hunt deer, START, they are overpopulating the U.S.

Nice save.

Good save...I have also really liked the Dunlop's on my coupe during the winter (running on 17's). They handle quite nicely for a winter tire and ride better than the stockers.

Though I've not had any deer encounters (yet) those Dunlops (OK, and my Skip Barber training and few years of autocrossing) have helped me out more than a few times in the winter.

ROFL, thats amazing :biggthumpup:

Thank God for Grand Tourismo!

Bet you're Glad you didn't get Camry huh ;)

good quick thinking. Glad you are ok.