How should a driver handle a situation with wildlife on the roadway?

When encountering wildlife on the roadway, the safest approach a driver can take is to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. This method allows the driver to assess the situation carefully and react appropriately to the animal’s movements. Wildlife can be unpredictable; they might run onto the road unexpectedly, and a sudden increase in speed could lead to a collision or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Slowing down gives you time to notice not only the immediate presence of an animal but also any others that might follow. Additionally, being prepared to stop can help prevent injury to the animal, which is important for wildlife conservation and maintaining road safety.

In contrast, speeding up or attempting to drive around the animal can lead to dangerous situations, including swerving into oncoming traffic or losing control of the vehicle. Honking the horn might have limited effectiveness, as it could startle the animal or not react as intended, leading to unpredictable behavior. Hence, exercising caution and vigilance by slowing down is the most responsible and safest response in this scenario.