I'll Be Eating Good Tonight
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Georgia is one of the top 10 states in the country in deer-related auto accidents. Now, drivers can get some just desserts -- or dinner.
The Senate gave final passage to SB 474, which allows drivers to keep any bear or deer that they might run over. The so-called Road Kill Bill, carried by Sen. Don Thomas of Dalton, passed 47-0.
"This is hot of the grill," Thomas said, tongue planted firmly in cheek. "And I urge you to support it."
According to the bill, "Any person may take possession of native wildlife which has been killed by a motor vehicle."
That was not always the case -- at least with bears.
In the past, if someone hit and killed a bear, the Department of Natural Resources could take it to mount or place in a museum.
Thomas said drivers now have the option to keep their bears as long as they report the accident to DNR within 48 hours. They don't have to report a deer strike.
My car was hit by a deer, in the dark age before cell phones. The highway patrol found me within fifteen minutes, and took me straight to the shop to organize repairs and the insurance claim. The car was a Honda, purchased in Cincinnati. Perhaps the vehicles in Georgia are tougher. |
Posted by: Beavis 2010-04-30 |