New York Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test

What should you do if an animal suddenly enters the road?

1. Accelerate to avoid it

2. Honk your horn loudly

3. Slow down and, if necessary, brake to avoid hitting it

4. Swerving is recommended to miss it

The correct answer is: Slow down and, if necessary, brake to avoid hitting it

When an animal suddenly enters the road, the safest and most responsible action is to slow down and, if necessary, brake to avoid hitting it. This approach allows you to evaluate the situation and gauge the animal's movements. Animals may be unpredictable, and they might not move steadily across the road. By reducing your speed, you give yourself more time to react appropriately and prevent a collision, which benefits both the driver and the animal involved. Slowing down minimizes the potential for harm, not just to the animal but also to the driver and passengers in the vehicle. Additionally, in many cases, animals can dart back and forth; brake and slow down allow you to adjust your movements according to the animal's behavior. Maintaining control of the vehicle in a situation like this is crucial, as sudden acceleration or swerving can lead to loss of control and increase the risk of accidents with other vehicles, obstacles, or more serious scenarios. Other options, such as accelerating or swerving, can lead to dangerous outcomes. Accelerating could result in a collision, while swerving can compromise stability and increase the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle. Honking might not be effective as it could startle the animal, causing erratic movement. Therefore, slowing down and