If an animal suddenly runs in front of your vehicle, what is the most important thing to do?

When an animal unexpectedly runs in front of your vehicle, concentrating on retaining control of your vehicle is crucial. Maintaining control allows you to assess the situation and make the best decision based on your speed, the size of the animal, and your surrounding environment. Losing control can lead to more severe accidents, not just involving the animal but also with other vehicles or objects around you.

While braking hard or swerving might seem like immediate reactions, these actions can lead to a loss of control, especially at higher speeds. If you brake too forcefully, it could cause your vehicle to skid, and swerving can result in veering off the road or into oncoming traffic. Options like accelerating to maintain speed can dangerously increase the likelihood of hitting the animal. All of these alternative reactions can escalate the risk of an accident, making it vital to prioritize vehicle control in such situations.