When approaching animals on the road, what is the recommended action?

When approaching animals on the road, it is advisable to slow down and prepare to stop. This action is crucial because animals can be unpredictable and may suddenly move into the road. Slowing down gives you more time to react and observe the animal's behavior, ultimately increasing the safety of both the driver and the animal. Additionally, stopping can prevent accidents that might occur if an animal unexpectedly darts across the road.

Hurrying past the animal can increase the risk of a collision, especially if the animal decides to join you in the lane. Honking the horn, while it might get the animal's attention, could also startle it, leading to erratic movements that could result in an accident. Lastly, attempting to swerve around an animal can be dangerous; it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or collide with other vehicles or obstacles in the road. Therefore, the best practice is to slow down and be prepared for unexpected actions from animals.