Teen survives moose crash

Autumn Stone is in the intensive care unit with a bruised brain, lacerations, and a broken hand after her car collided with a moose Monday night on an icy road in Anchorage. Her mother, Megan Stone, said medical staff told her the family should be amazed the teenager is alive.

The crash happened when Autumn was driving home. Megan Stone said a moose appeared in the roadway and her daughter had no time to brake. Firefighters arrived to find the vehicle badly damaged and Autumn trapped inside. Multiple crews used Jaws of Life hydraulic tools to cut her free.

Jason Dolph, an Anchorage firefighter, explained the physics of the impact. He noted that when a car strikes a moose at highway speeds, the animal becomes suspended in the air. In this case, the moose landed on the hood, windshield, and roof. Dolph said the vehicle can experience forces of 30,000 to 40,000 pounds during such a collision.

Cory Stantorf, a Fish and Game Biologist, stated that the Anchorage area typically sees about 100 moose-vehicle collisions annually. He said this number increases during the current season. The rut causes moose to move, and drivers are commuting in pitch-black conditions. Stantorf pointed out that the lack of snow to illuminate the animals reduces visibility. He urged drivers to slow down because reaction time is shorter than in summer.

Megan Stone said Wednesday that her daughter was expected to remain in the ICU for several days. She viewed photos of the wreck and described the scene as horrifying. However, she expressed relief that her daughter survived the incident.

The driver has sustained brain bruising, lacerations, and a broken hand. She does not appear to have catastrophic injuries. The collision occurred during the evening commute when natural light is minimal.