I was driving approximately 30 mph with the driver's window down, when a running deer made contact with my driver's side mirror with it's head. The mirror was violently shut into it's folded-in position causing the mirror to shatter and project large and small pieces of very sharp glass across the dashboard and forward area of the cabin. Damage that was done in the glass' path were cuts on my left hand, slice marks on the steering wheel cover, and puncture marks on the dashboard, passenger-side A-pillar, and passenger-side door panel. Incorrect mirror material and/or proper backing material played parts in what could have been a catastrophic event if the debris field was directed towards the driver and/or passenger (if there was one). The mirror material was not safety glass or made from of a shatter-resistant material. The backing material surface contact area with the back of the mirror was only about 45% of the mirror's surface area.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA