What should you do if an animal suddenly runs in front of your vehicle?

When an animal unexpectedly runs in front of your vehicle, your immediate instinct might be to stop. Choosing to stop immediately helps to prevent a collision that could cause serious injury or death to the animal and potentially damage to your vehicle or harm to yourself and your passengers. Stopping gives you the best chance to avoid a direct impact, as well as allowing other drivers to see the hazard.

It's also important to consider the specifics of the situation, such as speed and road conditions, which may affect how you should react. However, the primary safety concern is to avoid hitting the animal. By stopping immediately, you provide yourself with the maximum amount of time and space to react to the situation effectively. This choice prioritizes safety for all involved, including the wildlife that may be crossing the road.