Motorist spares flock of turkeys, goes off road

PITTSFIELD—On Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at approximately 8:45 a.m., Timothy J. Lensing, 64, of Pittsfield was driving a 2015 Volvo V60 station wagon southbound on VT-Route 100. At mile marker 1, while rounding a bend, Lensing encountered a “rafter,” or flock, of turkeys trying to cross the road. Lensing attempted to avoid the birds by swerving right towards the shoulder of the road. His front right tire hit a soft patch of dirt at the shoulder, which gave way, causing the Volvo to slide into the ditch. Lensing was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured, although the Volvo sustained damage to the front bumper and front right wheel axle. The weather was cloudy and cool, and the blacktop was clear. No court action is being taken.