LIVESTOCK
From page 23 or leading a sheep , goat , pig , mule , ass , ostrich , horse , or cow on a road . The Arrive Alive campaign makes the following sugges- tions to motorists : ❑ Take special care near animal crossing warning signs or signs warning of the absence of fences . The signs are there for a reason . ❑ Minimize your distractions from passengers , food , and accessories like cell phones . If your full attention is on the road , you ' ll be more likely to spot approaching animals with your peripheral vision . ❑ Get into the habit of scanning the roadside as you drive . ❑ Vigilance is the first and best defence , especially when driving on unfamiliar rural roads . Ask passengers to help by scanning both sides of the roadway . ❑ If you see one animal , expect that there are others nearby . ❑ Use your high beams whenever possible . They will give you more time to spot and react to animals in the road . ❑ Always obey the speed limit and wear safety belts . ❑ Slowing down a little gives you and the animal more timetoreact . ❑ Be aware of your surroundings . ❑ Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water . ❑ If you see a large animal
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A good idea ... reflective boots for the horse
near the road and think you have time to avoid hitting it , reduce your speed , tap your brakes to warn other drivers and sound your horn . ❑ If the animal is in your path , brake firmly but do not swerve to avoid it . Sound your horn in a series of short bursts to frighten it away . Provided you can slow down with control , steer around the animal but stay on the road if possible . Watch out for oncoming traffic . ❑ If a collision seems inevitable , don ' t swerve to avoid the animal ; your risk of injury may be greater if you do . Maintain control of the vehicle . Report the accident to the police and your insurance company . ❑ Always consider if the land along the road could host large animals , and if you think it could , anticipate that they might run out into the road . It ' s much easier to anticipate animal encounters and be ready to react calmly than to deal with the costly expenses , injuries , and guilty conscience of a collision .