How should you react if an animal suddenly runs onto the road?

When an animal suddenly runs onto the road, the most appropriate reaction is to slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. This response allows you to assess the situation and react accordingly. Animals can unexpectedly change direction or linger on the roadway, so reducing your speed gives you more time to react and decreases the likelihood of a collision. Slowing down also increases safety for both the driver and the animal, as it minimizes the potential for injury or damage.

In contrast, speeding up could lead to a more severe impact if you do hit the animal, while honking your horn may not effectively drive the animal away and could potentially startle it, causing it to freeze in place. Ignoring the presence of the animal poses a significant risk, as it could lead to an accident that endangers both the driver and others on the road. Thus, preparing to stop demonstrates cautious and responsible driving behavior in uncertain conditions, particularly when wildlife is involved.