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Silent, but deadly
A little while ago, we bought our first hybrid car. So far, so good. Except that we've squashed two small mammals in the last three weeks, where we never, ever have before.
The first casualty was on the way home from Cheeseburger in Paradise (for business, not pleasure). We hit a rabbit on an on-ramp. It darted out, did that stuck-in-the-headlights double take, then tried in vain to outrun the car.
More recently, a squirrel ran into our lane, stopped in the middle, and paused too long before darting back from whence it came. One could blame these events on natural selection and springtime, but two this year alone?
How many bunnies must die to save us some gas?
I'm convinced this is because the car is too quiet. Check out the supporting evidence.
Obviously, we'll have to adjust our driving style. And maybe stick some playing cards in the spokes.
Secret weapon, indeed.
∞ | March 30, 2005 in domestic life
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Comments
We haven't hit a single critter since getting out Prius several (two?) years ago. But maybe since the newfangled design is more aerodynamic, it's even quieter than the initial version.
Posted by: D' | Mar 30, 2005 9:33:43 AM
I was hoping to hear from you about this! Aerodynamics might have something to do with it, but I think ours is a year older than yours.
Maybe we should start honking at critters, in addition to slowing down (though we were well under the limit both times, and some dude was riding our bumper on the onramp).
Posted by: nichole | Mar 30, 2005 10:09:24 AM
My folks bought a Prius not too long ago, but I haven't heard them say anything about an increase in the mortality of the suburban fauna they encounter.
Posted by: Bill Schlimme | Mar 30, 2005 10:44:04 AM
It's settled, then. We're killers!
Posted by: nichole | Mar 30, 2005 4:27:07 PM
You sure you didn't want to post that on March 32nd?
Posted by: Stu Savory | Apr 5, 2005 1:21:52 PM
No, sadly it's "for reals."
Posted by: nichole | Apr 5, 2005 1:26:57 PM
There is a similar type of problem here in some parts of Scotland except it is with deer. The solution is to fit a type of siren to the front of the car. I can't recall if it is ultrasonic or not but it seems to work.
Posted by: mcfox | Apr 9, 2005 4:38:51 PM
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