Crossing animalsSouth Africa
Traffic rules
South Africa
14. Crossing animals
An animals-crossing warning indicates a place or road section where wild animals, livestock or ridden animals may enter or cross the road. Animals may appear suddenly, move unpredictably or be difficult to see in darkness, vegetation or poor weather.
Drivers should reduce speed, scan both sides of the road and remain prepared to stop. The warning sign does not itself give animals priority or impose a numerical speed limit, but drivers must avoid frightening, endangering or colliding with them.
Wikimedia.org • Bernard DUPONT • CC BY-SA
Which animals might drivers encounter on roads in South Africa?
Depending on the locality, drivers may meet livestock, antelope and wildlife on rural or game-area roads. Roadside animal-warning signs and local hazard information indicate where extra care may be needed; do not assume the hazard ends immediately after a sign.
🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — crossing-animals
Warning for cattle on the road.
English • W310 • Farm animals: cattle. Cattle may be on or crossing the road ahead.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)
SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for crossing deer.
English • W313 • Wild animals ahead. Wild animals may be on or crossing the road ahead.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)
SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does an animal-crossing warning sign in South Africa set a new speed limit?
A warning of animals is not, by itself, a numerical speed-limit sign. Continue to obey the applicable speed limit, but slow down whenever animals could enter the road or visibility is poor. A separate regulatory speed sign must also be obeyed.
🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — crossing-animals
What should you do if an animal enters the road in South Africa?
Ease off the accelerator, assess the traffic behind and brake smoothly if necessary. Avoid abrupt swerving into opposing traffic or off the road. Give farm animals and ridden animals room, avoid frightening them with unnecessary horn use, and be alert for more animals following.
🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — crossing-animals
