What happens to your body when you hit a deer while driving at 65 mph?
The impact of hitting a deer while driving at 65 mph can have serious consequences on your body. The sudden collision can lead to injuries, both physical and psychological, as well as emotional distress. It can also trigger a cascade of physiological responses within your body.
Physical Injuries:
1. Trauma: The force of the impact can cause trauma to various parts of your body, such as head, chest, or limbs. This trauma can range from minor bruises and cuts to more severe injuries like broken bones or internal bleeding.
2. Whiplash: The sudden stop can also result in whiplash, a neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head.
3. Psychological Impact: The emotional toll of the accident can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also a common psychological consequence of such traumatic events.
Physiological Responses:
When you hit a deer while driving at 65 mph and come to a sudden stop, your body goes through a series of physiological responses to cope with the situation.
1. Fight or Flight Response: Your body's sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the "fight or flight" response. This results in the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing your body to either confront the danger or flee from it.
2. Increased Heart Rate: The surge of adrenaline causes your heart rate to increase, pumping more blood to your muscles to prepare for action.
3. Muscle Tension: Your muscles may tense up in response to the sudden impact, as your body prepares to brace itself for potential further collisions or injuries.
4. Shock: In some cases, the sudden deceleration can lead to a state of shock, where your body goes into a temporary state of physiological shutdown as it processes the trauma.
Overall, when you hit a deer while driving at high speed, your body undergoes a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and physiological responses to deal with the immediate danger and aftermath of the accident.