Sullivan, MO (September 8, 2026) – Two drivers were injured after a Ford Explorer rear-ended a Nissan Sentra Monday afternoon, September 7, on Missouri Route 185 at River Birch Road in Washington County.
The crash occurred around 3:23 p.m., according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A 34-year-old Sullivan man was driving a 2026 Ford Explorer southbound behind a 58-year-old Sullivan woman in a 2016 Nissan Sentra. Both vehicles were traveling south when the Sentra slowed because a deer was crossing the roadway.
The Explorer driver was inattentive to the roadway ahead and struck the rear of the Sentra, according to the crash report. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries and were transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, with Sullivan Fire Protection District and Washington County Ambulance District providing transportation. Both vehicles were totaled and towed from the scene.
Our thoughts are with both drivers injured in this crash and their loved ones. We wish both injured individuals a full and speedy recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Deer Near Roadways?
Deer can move quickly across roads with little warning, particularly in areas surrounded by wooded or rural land. Drivers should watch the roadside as well as the pavement ahead and be prepared for an animal to enter the roadway suddenly. When one deer is spotted, motorists should remain alert because others may follow.
Reducing speed can give drivers more time to react when wildlife is near the road. Drivers should avoid swerving sharply if a collision with an animal becomes unavoidable, since a sudden steering maneuver can cause the vehicle to leave its lane or roadway. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel can also help maintain control during an unexpected situation.
Following distance is especially important when traffic slows because of wildlife. A driver who is focused only on the vehicle directly ahead may have less time to respond when that vehicle brakes suddenly. Staying attentive, leaving adequate space, and scanning ahead can help motorists respond more safely to changing conditions.
