What should you do if an animal crosses the road?

When an animal crosses the road, the best and safest action is to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. This approach allows you to assess the situation carefully and react appropriately. Animals can be unpredictable, and their behavior may cause them to suddenly change direction or to pause in the roadway. By reducing your speed, you not only increase your reaction time but also minimize the risk of a collision, which could result in serious injury to both you and the animal.

Hastening your speed can lead to a higher likelihood of hitting the animal or losing control of your vehicle, which might endanger other road users. Honking your horn loudly, while it may alert the animal in some situations, can also startle it and cause erratic movements. Swerving to avoid an animal can be particularly dangerous as it might lead to losing control or crashing into another vehicle or object on the roadside. Therefore, slowing down and maintaining awareness of your surroundings is the most responsible and safe choice when encountering animals on the road.