What should you do if an animal crosses the road?

When an animal crosses the road, the safest and most responsible action is to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. This approach allows the driver to react appropriately to prevent a collision with the animal, which could lead to serious harm for both the animal and the vehicle occupants.

Slowing down gives the driver more time to assess the situation, spot the animal, and make the best decision on how to proceed. Animals can be unpredictable; they may pause, run back, or change direction suddenly, so being prepared to stop is crucial for ensuring safety.

In contrast, other actions such as speeding up can increase the risk of an accident, as they reduce reaction time. Honking the horn loudly might startle the animal, potentially causing it to run into traffic or create confusion. Swerving can also lead to losing control of the vehicle or colliding with other road users or objects, which can be dangerous. Therefore, slowing down and staying alert is always the preferable choice whenever an animal crosses the road.