Deer and Bear Avoidance in the Spring

Specializing in motorcycle protection, it's natural that we mainly think about accidents where we fall off due to road conditions, lack of judgment or other traffic.

However, there is another source of roadside hazard that seems to be on the increase.

As a rider for 40 years now, I've always been aware that animals on the road are a serious hazard, and although I've often encountered deer on roadside verges, I've never had a Close Encounter - so far.

But lately we've had a number of reports from customers who have met deer and even bear on the road.

If you're like me, you never Really Pay Attention unless it affects someone close to you, or in your area - then you realize it can really happen to any of us.

* Check the bullet points on the left sidebar.

2010 Deer and Bear Reports

These three real customer stories have come into our office already this year - please take a moment to read them - and keep in mind what could appear around your next turn.

1)  Deer Hits Riders on Interstate in Broad Daylight!

Just wanted to thank Bohn-Armor for the protection your pants provided. Both my wife and I were wearing your pants (along with head, torso, feet and hand protection) when a deer jumped into our path at 75mph (interstate driving). The impact from the deer broke a few of our bones but the Bohn-Armor pants clearly saved our bones from impact and our skin from the 150' asphalt slide that followed. Other than a little road rash on the side of one knee, the Bohn-Armor clearly saved us from significant damage. Both the medical staff and law enforcement couldn't thank us enough for the gear we were wearing. Without it, they assured us the coroner rather than the ambulance would have transported us from the scene.

It may be a while before we ride again (bike was totaled) but if and when we do, we'll have our new Bohn- Armor protecting us.

Thanks!
Peter & Lynne Davis

2)  Bear in Tahoe.......'saved my life...'

A customer called in a couple of weeks ago for more gear, and in passing said "You know your back protector saved my life when I hit a bear".

Most of us would be quite excited recounting an experience like this, but he was very laid back - as if he had forgotten about it until then.  Seems he had just bought a new Hayabusa and was on his first ride straight from the store in Sacramento. As a sportbike/trackday fan, he had one of the Bohn ProRacer Back Protectors, which are really comfortable - even if you are not racing.

He said that suddenly a bear bowled out of the verge straight into his path, he hit it and went flying straight over the top, landing hard on his back. A dislocated hip, but no major injuries - the EMT's were amazed that the pads from the back protector left impressions in his back where the ProRacer had distributed the shock load, and reckoned it absolutely saved him.

The 'Busa was totaled, and thinking about it afterwards, I think this was probably a Very High Speed Collision, which explains why he was happy to count his blessings.......

He's now taking in the scenery a little slower on a KLR650.

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3)  Deer Mayhem....'lost 2ft of my intestines....'

I hit a deer with my 2000 Daytona 955i.  That is all I remember for the next 2 weeks. When I became aware I found I had a severely broken right wrist and a loss of 2 feet of my intestines.

I was wearing Bohn armor pants and shirt with full armor and the best helmet I can buy.  The doctors all said if I would have had more broken bones or lots of road rash or other grievous injury I probably would not be here today.
It was your armor along with my helmet and the grace of God that kept me alive that day. I am a true disciple of ATGATT now, it saved my life. It was and still is a long recovery but I am alive and doing well........

Thank you so much. If you need a better testimony send me an e-mail and I would be glad to do that for your company.

Sincerely, Wilbur Hickman

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