What to Do When You Encounter an Animal on the Road

Picture this: you’re cruising down a scenic highway in Newfoundland and Labrador, enjoying picturesque views of the mountains and the ocean—but suddenly, an animal bolts across the road! What do you do?

Your Options at a Glance

You may think you have a couple of options:

• A. Speed up to pass quickly
• B. Slow down and prepare to stop if safe to do so
• C. Honk your horn to scare it away
• D. Ignore it and keep driving

While the choices seem straightforward, the best action is undoubtedly B: Slow down and prepare to stop, if it’s safe to do so. Let’s break it down!

Stop, Look, and Listen

First things first, slowing down isn’t just a good habit; it’s the best way to keep yourself and the wildlife safe.
When you encounter an animal crossing your path, it’s not just about hitting the brakes and crossing your fingers. No, no! Slowing down gives you precious extra seconds to observe the animal’s movements and predict what it might do next. It’s like a game of chess with nature—anticipate the next move and respond smartly! 💡

Why Speeding Up Isn’t the Answer

Now, you might be tempted to speed up and zoom past, thinking you could outrun any danger. But here’s the catch: animals can be unpredictable—they might dart right back onto the road or hang around longer than expected. Speeding could put you—and them—at serious risk! Just imagine the heart-stopping moment if a deer suddenly bolts in front of you. Yikes!

The Dangers of Honking

Let’s talk about honking. Sure, it might seem like a quick fix to scare away the animal, but think again! Honking might startle the critter, causing it to run into traffic—or worse, towards you! In a split second, a friendly game of dodge gets dangerous. Hence, it’s usually best to avoid relying solely on the horn; instead, your focus should be on safe driving.

Ignoring the Situation

Now, you might think that just ignoring the animal is a good way to keep on cruising. But that’s practically throwing caution to the wind! Animals, like the moose, bear, or even a curious fox, deserve our respect. Not to mention, ignoring them could lead to a collision that’s utterly avoidable.

The Safe Route: Slow Down

So, what does that safe approach really look like? Picture this: you see an animal on the side of the road. What do you do? You ease off the gas, prepare to stop gently, keeping a safe distance. As you coast to a halt, you’re assessing the scene—watching the movement of the animal and waiting. Creating this space means you can react appropriately—whether that's coming to a complete stop or cautiously navigating around it when it’s clearly safe.

Remember: Safety in Numbers

Interestingly enough, animals often travel in packs. So, when you spot one, it’s prudent to stay on alert, as there could be more lurking nearby. Think of it as a group of unpredictable friends at a party. Just because you see one doesn’t mean a few others won’t crash the scene at any given moment.

It’s All About Reaction Time

Reducing speed enhances your reaction time, that all-important window you have to make critical decisions. Ever seen a driver slam on their brakes only to lose control of their vehicle? Not a great sight, right? By slowing down, you minimize that risk and can avoid rear-end collisions with other drivers who might not be as alert as you.

Let’s Wrap It Up!

In short, the next time you find yourself approaching an animal crossing the road, remember: slowing down and preparing to stop is your best bet for everyone involved. Nature is full of surprises, and unfortunately, not all of them come wrapped safely! 🌿 Treat every encounter with caution. After all, it’s not just your life we’re worried about—it’s theirs, too. So, buckle up, drive smart, and be the responsible road user that Newfoundland and Labrador deserves!