Overdrive

July 2015

Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info

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T ruckers tell tales of hitting deer, moose, elk, bears and turkeys. One driver made headlines in Nevada when a 15-pound golden eagle smashed through his passenger side window. (The eagle survived and was sent to a rehab center.) Nobody wants Bambi on the bumper, but close encounters with wildlife are inevitable if you truck long enough. That's especially true at night, the most likely time to hit animals. How to avoid hitting a deer 1 Drive slowly. Deer travel in groups, so if you see one, expect more. 2 Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. During those hours in deer country, fan your brakes to make noise to spook deer. Lower your dash lights for better visibility. 3 If a deer is frozen in front of you, try blowing your horn and flashing your lights. How to hit a deer Some encounters with deer and other animals are so sudden that there is no way to avoid a collision safely. Un- fortunately for the animals, the outcome boils down to survival of the fittest – and if you follow these rules, you'll be the fittest. 1 Never swerve or brake if it would cause you to lose control of the truck. Keep your hands on the wheel, and hit the deer directly. The deer won't survive, but you might prevent an accident. 2 If you hit a deer, stop and turn on your hazards and headlights. 3 If the animal is obstruct- ing the road, call the police to remove it. 4 If it is alive and injured, don't approach it. Deer hooves are as sharp as knives. Call the police. 5 Assess your rig for dam- age, and check with your car- rier before proceeding. Insur- ance companies may or may not require a police report for wildlife damage. 104 | Overdrive | July 2015 Rob Smith Jr. An adult deer or buck weighs about 150 to 200 pounds. A bear can weigh up to 600 pounds, and a full-grown elk or moose can surpass 1,200 pounds – more than half a ton. worst case scenario 15 on the road! Deer By Carolyn Mason

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