Motorcycles and deer don’t mix

Steve Lombardi

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 335

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Two people were injured when the motorcycle they were on ran into a deer west of Craig. The collision occurred on Sunday night in Plymouth County. The report describes the riders being on K-22 near the intersection of C-12 when the deer suddenly came into their path causing the crash.

Both the driver, Todd Popken, 43 and the rider, Tammy Popken, 41 were taken to the hospital. I’m not sure there is any good way to hit a deer while driving a motorcycle. But knowing when it’s more likely to happen and wearing protective gear are good ideas. First these two people were said to be wearing helmets and other protective gear, a small detail that likely saved their lives. Second, deer tend to become more active, to move, at dawn and dusk. So be on the lookout. As fall approaches and the corn is taken in during the harvest they will become more active as the corn fields where they hide are harvested. Be on the look out and drive slowly.

I wonder if those little deer whistles people place on their car and truck bumpers would work for motorcycles. If you try it and it works, let me know. Leonard Askham, former WSU Associate Professor and research scientist says these animal-deer warning devices don’t work. Roy Truelsen, The Internet BMW Riders agrees, see, Deer Whistles, They Don’t Work!

On this video, the expert has a Boston hat on, so he must know what he’s talking about.