I had some sad news last week, a friend of mine died while out riding.
It appears she hit a "kamo shika" Japanese deer while descending a forest road.
I have had a few near misses myself. I used to say "more likely to be hit by a deer than a car" but never expected this to happen.
The last time I nearly hit one was this time last year. So I wonder if they are more active at this time of year. Also I usually see them early in the morning. Also I can go for months without seeing one, but if I see one, I tend to see two or three, which makes me think they are active at a certain time.
The place where she had the accident was relatively wide and a straight section. This can be dangerous, as you think you are safe from anything oncoming and let the speed out, but if something jumps out from the side...
I had a similar experience when driving over the pass from Gunma to Nikko several years ago. I noticed deer by the side of the road so was really careful going up and down the winding pass. But once the road straightened out at the bottom, I thought we would be fine. A deer appeared as if from nowhere. We were okay, but the car was a write off, which shows what the impact can be.
Anyway, just a heads up to be careful when coming down mountain roads.
Keep safe.
Andy
https://www.facebook.com/biketrainingandracinginjapan/
It appears she hit a "kamo shika" Japanese deer while descending a forest road.
I have had a few near misses myself. I used to say "more likely to be hit by a deer than a car" but never expected this to happen.
The last time I nearly hit one was this time last year. So I wonder if they are more active at this time of year. Also I usually see them early in the morning. Also I can go for months without seeing one, but if I see one, I tend to see two or three, which makes me think they are active at a certain time.
The place where she had the accident was relatively wide and a straight section. This can be dangerous, as you think you are safe from anything oncoming and let the speed out, but if something jumps out from the side...
I had a similar experience when driving over the pass from Gunma to Nikko several years ago. I noticed deer by the side of the road so was really careful going up and down the winding pass. But once the road straightened out at the bottom, I thought we would be fine. A deer appeared as if from nowhere. We were okay, but the car was a write off, which shows what the impact can be.
Anyway, just a heads up to be careful when coming down mountain roads.
Keep safe.
Andy
https://www.facebook.com/biketrainingandracinginjapan/