Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving test

What should you do if an animal runs onto the road?

1. Accelerate to avoid hitting it

2. Brake if safe to do so, but avoid swerving

3. Honk your horn loudly

4. Maintain speed and wait for the animal to leave

The correct answer is: Brake if safe to do so, but avoid swerving

If an animal runs onto the road, the best course of action is to brake if it is safe to do so, while avoiding swerving. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, braking allows you to reduce your speed and potentially avoid a collision, which can minimize harm to both you and the animal. Additionally, swerving can lead to loss of control of the vehicle, resulting in the risk of crashing into other obstacles, vehicles, or even veering off the road. Maintaining a steady course while braking helps keep both the driver and passengers safer. It’s also important to be aware that animals can be unpredictable. While you might honk your horn to indicate your presence or try to get them to move, relying solely on this method doesn’t guarantee the animal will leave the roadway. Similarly, maintaining speed in the hope the animal will move is risky, as it can lead to a serious accident. In essence, the strategy of braking safely shows you are prepared to react correctly in a potentially hazardous situation, balancing the need to protect lives without sacrificing vehicle control.