Ruling Requested: Deer strike count

[Belisaerio]

In my copious early morning saddle time, I have struck 3 deer. These were all done at speed, causing thousands in damage to the ST1300 and totalled two other bikes.
However, in addition to several incidents when I stopped short, I had one incident that I'm never sure whether to count.

I saw the deer ahead of me, power braked, and was nearly stopped when I rolled onto its back leg. I heard a snap or pop and I backed off. It quickly exited the road, clearly keeping weight of that leg. My ST1300 was undamaged.

So ruling from wise ones of this forum. And the rest of you as well, is that a deer strike. I've not been counting it, but non-riders disagree.

 

[Willsmotorcycle]

when I rolled onto its back leg

Looks like, quacks like.

 

[W0QNX]

So you say you R U N N T it over but didn't hit it?

That's a runt over.

 

[ST Gui]

Yes it counts.

Unless you're driving a NASCAR entry. Then it's a rub not a strike.

 

[Mykllee]

I bet the deer would count it as a strike.....

 

[Belisaerio]

I bet the deer would count it as a strike.....

No doubt, but since the deer nation has clearly declared war on me, their opinion is biased.

 

[the Ferret]

It counts.

I've been lucky (knock on wood) living and riding daily in the same area as Belisaerio. I've split a herd of deer grouped in the road around a blind turn on St Rt 222 without hitting any of them, and I had a deer start to run across, then turn and run beside me striking my right leg on St Rt 743 (Belisaerio will know these roads). That's in 32 years of riding these roads almost daily year-round. I've had too many close calls, not only with deer, but with dogs, coyotes, turkeys, vultures, pheasants, a goat, slow rolling farm equipment, horse trailers and various car/truck parts laying in the road. The same curvy country roads that are so much fun to ride, can also have many hidden dangers.

 

[Belisaerio]

Dude. if we're going to start counting non-deer animals . . .

Nothing makes you appreciate a full face helmet like a bird in the face. Species unknown.
Fun fact, wasps that hit you in the neck are often too stunned to sting, even after they fall to your leg. But not always.

But yes, I know all those roads well. 749 I don't like, even in my truck. Plus all the side roads. On my road, I live on the 'wide end'. Nearly 16 feet.
Other fun fact, most of the roads near the river are like that because they follow a creek down the valley face.

Ironically, though, the second (well, third according to the poll so far) and most serious, was in downtown Cincinnati, on MLK just before the I71. Despite the all the income taxes I pay there, Cincinnati charged me $1900 to take me less than a mile to UC Hospital.