Ah, the KISS principle from the military; I remember that. I think your solution of running over the head is valid, but I was on foot (I guess I forgot to mention that). I had researched various "humane" ways of killing the snake, and the article that I cited seemed to be the best. I just wanted to make sure the animal would die right away, rather than just severing its head and having it live for another 10-15 minutes or more. Had I been in a vehicle, I might have done the same thing you suggested.