[RallySnake]

DEER! Statistical fact!

On the May 1st Rally, we had a close encounter of the venison kind. We were cruising down Three Points Road (East of Gorman), when two deer appeared on the left shoulder. I hit the brakes as hard and fast as I could and using threshold braking, only locked up the left front wheel. Sure enough, one of the sizable, stupid critters ran right across the road. I expected him to stop directly in front of the car (as they usually do), but this one ran up onto the right shoulder. It's a good thing too, because I could not stop fast enough. I was prepared to swerve into the left lane, but didn't have to after the tail of the beast cleared the road ahead of me.

It all happened so fast, that I didn't have time to get scared or anything. But, looking back at it, I wonder if there is something I could have done differently? Sure, I could drive slower, but that's not going to happen! I could have hit the horn or flashed the headlights, but I wonder if that would make a difference? I used to have deer whistles under the nose of the car, but they disappeared in one of my off road excursions. I could put new one's on, but I have read that they are not effective. I do intend to improve my brakes. But, I wonder if anyone has any other ideas or suggestions?

Paul