How should a driver respond to an animal in the road?

When encountering an animal on the road, the safest and most responsible response is to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. By reducing speed, a driver can better assess the situation and determine the best course of action to avoid a collision with the animal. This approach allows for more time to react appropriately and can help prevent injury to both the animal and the driver.

In many situations, animals may unexpectedly dart out into the road, and by slowing down, the driver can avoid a potentially dangerous encounter. Stopping may also provide the opportunity for the animal to move away from the roadway safely on its own.

Accelerating past an animal may increase the likelihood of a collision and puts both the driver and the animal at risk. Honking the horn could startle the animal, leading to unpredictable movements, which might increase the chance of an accident. Lastly, swerving to avoid the animal can result in losing control of the vehicle or colliding with other obstacles or vehicles, making it a very risky maneuver. Thus, slowing down or stopping when it is safe is the most prudent choice when faced with an animal in the road.