Should you ever swerve your big rig to avoid an animal..??

There was a long discussion some time back about how to handle the "suicide by truck" scenario. There was some division but I'd say, if I remember correctly, that most drivers went with the "hit the animal, or human" choice. But then there's the question if it is a suicide or maybe just a confused person, i.e. Alzheimer's, etc.

I know you're dealing with animals here, but just sayin. Everybody knows you don't swerve to miss an animal. Well, maybe unless you're in a four-wheeler.

 

There is no right and wrong answer to this question, and no definite answer either way. I have swerved numerous times to avoid an animal. Especially a turtle. I have stopped/ walked back, and moved a turtle out of the roadway many times. The trick is to not be going so fast that a gentle move over does no harm to you or others. I have also hit/ killed many creatures also.Then there are times when your reflex decision is to continue straight, the end result being road kill.That is OK. It happens. Experience is the only guideline. Circumstances dictate procedure.

 

Ahh, love!


:smt033

 

I can roll with this opinion. Practical.

 

well the damage sucks but id rather have damage to my rig then take my life for an animal, if one crawles in front of me im mowing it down

 

Swerve? Not likely to happen. Lock up the brakes? Not likely either. What I would and have done, is to slow down, maybe use a little brake, and try to drift a little from one side or the other, and keep a grip on the wheel. NO sudden moves. I don't like to hit animals, but if it's them or me, or risk hitting another vehicle, well, I know there's gonna be a road splat.

 

ok how does an amish buggy work in this plan ?

 

I don't swerve for anything but a school bus ... unless there's a bull moose in the middle of my lane then I might take the ditch.

 

It is cheaper to repair a damaged hood & bumper then what it would be to repair a roll over.... Plus the chance of killing yourself.


ALWAYS HIT THE ANIMAL!!!