What to Do If You Hit a Deer in Wyoming Without Cell Service: A Laramie Woman’s Experience
A Laramie woman recently faced a challenging situation after hitting a deer at night on a remote stretch of Wyoming highway without cellphone service, Cowboy State Daily reports.
Kassidy Thomas, 21, was driving on Highway 487, approximately two miles south of a rest area, when she collided with the animal.
While returning to Laramie after a visit with her parents in Casper, Thomas reported that she was distracted by a driver flashing their brights at her. She looked back up to find a deer standing in the road, and despite swerving to avoid a direct hit, the deer struck the front passenger side of her Nissan Rogue, causing significant damage and deploying the airbags. With her vehicle immobilized in the roadway, Thomas quickly realized she was in a cellphone reception dead zone.
Fortunately, a good Samaritan, J.D. Holman, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Wyoming, happened upon the scene a few minutes later. Holman noticed Thomas’s flashing hazard lights and pulled over to assist. He helped her push the car to a safer location off the highway and then attempted to find cellphone service to contact local authorities.
In a stroke of luck, Thomas accessed the emergency SOS feature on her car’s phone system to reach 911. This feature allowed her to call for help despite the lack of regular service. Initially connected to the Rawlins Fire Department, her call was later transferred to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
After about 45 minutes, Holman offered to drive Thomas toward Medicine Bow in search of service, and along the way, they flagged down a Wyoming Highway Patrol officer. This enabled Thomas to communicate with her parents and arrange for her mother’s retrieval.
Following the incident, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kiera Hett emphasized the importance of being prepared when traveling on Wyoming roads, especially in remote areas. She recommended having an emergency kit in the vehicle, which should include items such as flashlights, road flares, blankets, food, and water. This preparation can help travelers remain safe until first responders arrive.
Hett also advised that individuals stranded on a highway should stay with their vehicle, as it is easier for responders to locate them. Travelers are encouraged to provide someone with their travel route and expected arrival time to ensure that help can be alerted if needed.
Additionally, those without cell service can still send a text to 911, which may be transmitted with enough signal, or utilize apps like BackCountrySOS, which can send GPS coordinates even without service.
Reflecting on her experience, Thomas noted that while she had an emergency kit in her car, the incident prompted her to consider better preparation for the future. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, she expressed gratitude for Holman’s assistance and the importance of community support in times of need.
