Speed on the highway kills, and not just humans. It also kills wildlife of all sorts, and while no metrics are available for comparison, the toll seems fairly grim to someone who travels slowly enough to take a look around and actually see what's down there on the ground.

There by the side of mid-valley roads are the usually flattened carcasses of possums, squirrels, skunks and the occasional hare; and off in the ditches, now and then the decaying and stinking remains of a deer.

What's surprising, though, is the number of birds that were not quick enough to get out of the way of a passing car.

Birds are usually pretty nimble and can avoid smashing into the front grill even if they cut it close. In too many cases, it may be the vehicles' unexpected speed that they cannot escape.

Behind the wheel at routine speeds, you're not likely to notice the incidence of road kills much. You do notice it if you ride your bike, or go for a walk. And then you resolve to take it slow when you're back in the truck. (hh)