Deer Crossing Guard...

It's been awhile, but I know it's worth the wait. This would be, up to this date, my most famous and favorite traffic story. It also happens to include animals which I know will make it oh so cute.

I was traveling east on 92 Highway, just outside of Smithville, Missouri. More specifically, I was just coming into Smithville. It was getting dark but still light enough to see without headlights. In fact, I don't think many of us had them on quite yet.

I always try to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary and be a defensive driver, and, in the case of this evening, I see a lone deer trot down a hill from the north. He comes out into the middle of the road, forcing me to slow down. Then, because he decides to stop and stay in the middle of the road, I come to a complete stop myself.

I'm looking at this deer and wondering what I should do when I see him turn his head back in the direction he came from. You'd think I'd heard him whistle when I see three more deer trot down the hill. Oh, they're in no hurry either... Once they are all the way across the road, the crossing guard follows after them. Did I see him nod at me right before leaving the road? I must be hallucinating...

I still picture this deer wearing an orange vest and carrying a hand held stop sign.

No Really,
AWChris