2 Drivers Unharmed, 3 Horses Tragically Killed in Pleasant Valley Accidents
Three tragic accidents involving wild horses occurred on Old 395 south of Reno, resulting in the deaths of three horses. These incidents have led Nevada's departments of agriculture and safety to issue warnings to drivers, especially during the holiday travel season. The accidents highlight the ongoing risks posed by wild horses on roadways.
Accident Details
The first accident happened near the intersection of Rawhide and Old 395 around 6:30 PM on November 17, 2015. One horse was killed, but fortunately, the driver was unharmed.
On the morning of November 20, a Ford F-150 driver hit two horses around 6 AM on 395 A and Pagni Drive. The driver sustained minor injuries, but both horses died.
"They can be on a roadway pretty much 365 days a year, and this isn't necessarily a spike," explains Nevada Department of Agriculture's Flint Wright.
Safety Concerns and Recommendations
Horses are more likely to stand in the roadway than to dart out, giving drivers little time to react. It's crucial to remain vigilant, especially on bends or after dark. Weighing between 500 to 1,500 pounds, a wild horse can cause fatal accidents.
Due to recent drought conditions, some individuals have left food or water for wild horses, which can lure them closer to urban areas, increasing the risk of accidents.
"It will entice those horses to come closer to urban populations, roadways, schools, parking lots, things of that nature," says Wright.
Instead, this can be a death sentence for both horses and drivers.
Reporting and Prevention
The Nevada Highway Patrol urges the public to report animals near roadways by calling 9-1-1 or *NHP. Wright advises travelers to be cautious in areas like Old 395, Highway 50, Geiger Grade, and Toll Road, where horse encounters are more likely.
To report horses in the Virginia Range area that may pose a threat to public safety, please call the Horse Hotline at (775) 353-3608 or email [email protected].
Originally Posted by KOLO