Dusk on US-93
At 8:40 p.m. in late September, Priya is northbound on US-93 between Missoula and Arlee. Sunset was 7:55; the sky is still light but the road is in shadow. She is 19, wears a dark textile jacket, black half-helmet, and yellow-tinted sunglasses. The speed limit is 55 mph; deer-crossing signs are posted and a hay field is on the right. She sees two deer at the fence line, then a third moving toward the shoulder. A pickup is 80 yards behind her with headlights on. Priya's first instinct is to swerve left into the oncoming lane, which appears empty. Her headlight is on low beam, and the bike has a small fairing but no auxiliary lights. She has ridden this road in daylight many times.
1. Assess Priya's gear and visibility choices for this ride; what should change?
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Priya's gear is legal for her age in Montana, but it is not good for dusk. A half-helmet gives less face and head protection; a full-face helmet with a clear shield is better. Yellow-tinted sunglasses reduce light at dusk and do not substitute for approved eye protection; she should switch to clear lenses or a clear shield. Dark clothing disappears against the hay field and shadow, so add a bright vest or reflective material. She should use low beam when traffic is present and high beam when no oncoming vehicle is near, and she should slow down because her headlight does not illuminate far enough at 55 mph.
2. What is the best response to the deer and the following pickup? Why is swerving left risky?
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The best response is to reduce speed, cover both brakes, and scan for more deer while staying in her lane. Swerving left is risky because the oncoming lane may not be empty, the pickup 80 yards back may not see her, and deer often change direction. She should brake progressively with both brakes, avoid locking the front wheel, and if impact is unavoidable, hit the deer at a controlled lower speed rather than run off the road. Use the horn only if it will not startle the deer into the road. After passing, check the pickup's following distance and give it room.