Ran over a very large Western Taipan one trip out near Georgetown. Felt like driving over a 6" water pipe. Anyway, I stopped 50 meters down the road and very cautiously walked back when the dust had cleared, with the .22 in hand. Couldn't see it anywhere. The grass on the verge was reasonably short, but I made the assumption it had bolted into the grass in the direction it was originally travelling, and was closer to. I was getting closer to the area where I thought it had been when my mate yelled out that it was coming out of the grass behind me (other side of the road). Got the fright of my life! It was pissed off big time and ready to have a go. I decided it was fine to continue with life and backed off rather hastily. No shots fired…and probably wouldn't have been able to hit a thing the way my heart was going.
Stopping to check on snakes (or wombats, roo's, etc.) can be a hazardous business.