MILLRY, AL — A utility truck crashed on County Road 83 after the driver swerved to avoid a deer at the bridge over Bilbo Creek on Wednesday.

The crash occurred just before midnight. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reports the utility truck was traveling southbound on County Road 83 when a deer entered the roadway. The driver swerved and ran into a drainage ditch.

The driver, a 32-year-old Mississippi woman, was airlifted to USA Health University Hospital in Mobile with critical injuries.

The truck was carrying metal shavings. creosote-treated poles from the truck was scattered across the roadway.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions are common on rural Washington County roads, particularly during deer season and at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.

Chatom Volunteer Fire Department responded. County Road 83 was affected for approximately 6 hours.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) advises drivers, especially commercial vehicle operators, not to swerve for animals as the resulting crash is often more dangerous than the animal strike itself.