Cruce de animalesEspaña

Aprende normas de tráfico con explicaciones claras y ejemplos visuales en nuestro libro ilustrado, diseñado para que estudiar sea sencillo y ameno.


21. Cruce de animales

Una advertencia de cruce de animales indica un lugar o tramo donde animales salvajes, ganado o animales montados pueden entrar o cruzar la carretera. Los animales pueden aparecer de repente, moverse de forma imprevisible o ser difíciles de ver en la oscuridad, entre vegetación o con mal tiempo.

Los conductores deben reducir la velocidad, observar ambos lados de la carretera y mantenerse preparados para detenerse. La señal no concede por sí misma prioridad a los animales ni impone un límite numérico de velocidad, pero los conductores deben evitar asustarlos, ponerlos en peligro o colisionar con ellos.

What does an animals-crossing sign mean?

It warns that animals may enter or cross the road in the area ahead.

Which animals may the sign refer to?

Depending on the symbol and local conditions, it may refer to deer, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, wild boar or other animals.

How can you recognise an animals-crossing sign?

It is commonly a triangular warning sign displaying the silhouette of an animal. The species shown may indicate the type of animal most likely to be encountered.

Does the sign mean animals are always present?

No. It indicates an increased likelihood of animals crossing, not that animals will be present every time.

Does the sign impose a speed limit?

No. The normal posted or general speed limit remains applicable, but drivers must reduce speed when necessary to react safely.

Do animals have priority because of the sign?

No automatic priority is created by the warning sign. Drivers must nevertheless avoid danger and allow animals already on the road to pass safely.

How should you approach an animal-crossing area?

Reduce speed, increase your following distance and scan the road, verges, fields and vegetation for movement or reflected eyes.

When are wild animals most likely to appear?

Animal activity is often greater around dawn, dusk and darkness, although animals may cross at any time.

Why should you expect more than one animal?

Many animals travel in groups. When one animal crosses, others may follow immediately from the same direction.

Should you sound the horn?

Avoid unnecessary horn use or engine revving because it may frighten an animal and make its movement less predictable. Use a warning only when reasonably necessary to prevent danger.

Should you use full-beam headlights?

Use the appropriate lights without dazzling other road users. When an animal is visible, reduce speed and avoid relying on full beam to make it move away.

What should you do when an animal is on the road?

Slow down smoothly, stop when necessary and allow it enough time and space to leave. Avoid sudden acceleration or aggressive steering.

Should you swerve to avoid an animal?

Avoid an uncontrolled swerve that could cause a collision with another vehicle, tree, barrier, cyclist or pedestrian. Brake firmly while maintaining control and steer only when a safe escape path is clearly available.

How should you pass livestock?

Pass only when the animals and their handlers have sufficient space. Drive slowly, avoid noise and be prepared for an animal to change direction unexpectedly.

How should you pass a horse and rider?

Reduce speed, leave a large lateral distance and pass quietly. Avoid sounding the horn, accelerating sharply or passing when oncoming traffic prevents sufficient clearance.

Must you follow instructions from an animal handler?

Follow lawful instructions from an authorised person and cooperate with handlers controlling animals on or across the road.

May you overtake near an animal crossing?

The warning sign does not necessarily prohibit overtaking, but overtaking should be avoided when animals, limited visibility or approaching traffic make the manoeuvre unsafe.

What if an animal appears behind another vehicle?

Maintain enough following distance to see beyond the vehicle ahead. Be prepared for it to brake suddenly when an animal enters the road.

What should motorcyclists and cyclists do?

Reduce speed, keep both hands firmly in control and avoid sudden movements. Animals may react unexpectedly to quiet or fast-approaching two-wheeled vehicles.

What should you do after hitting an animal?

Stop safely, activate the hazard warning lights and check for injured people. Contact the emergency services or police when necessary and do not approach a wounded wild animal, which may defend itself.

Should you move an injured or dead wild animal?

Normally not. Keep a safe distance and allow the police, wildlife authorities or an animal-rescue service to handle it.

Can animals be present without a warning sign?

Yes. Drivers remain responsible for observing the road and adjusting their speed even where no animal warning sign is displayed.

1 España 2 Autopista 3 Zona residencial 4 Zona 5 Límite de velocidad 6 Carril bici 7 Advertencia de peatones 8 Túnel 9 Carretera de peaje 10 Muelle 11 Pendiente 12 Calle sin salida 13 Señal de STOP 14 Ceda el paso 15 Glorieta 16 Estrechamiento de calzada 17 Paso de peatones 18 Paso a nivel 19 Zona escolar 20 Adelantamiento 21 Cruce de animales 22 Calzada deslizante 23 Desprendimiento de rocas 24 Curva 25 Obras 26 Límite de altura 27 Barreras selectivas 28 Semáforos 29 Advertencia de semáforos 30 Semáforos peatonales 31 Permiso de conducir 32 Marcador de ubicación 33 Paneles de aproximación 34 Espejo de tráfico 35 Frontera internacional 36 Paso inferior peatonal 37 Ruta ciclista 38 Estacionamiento 39 Prohibido estacionar 40 Estacionamiento para personas con discapacidad 41 Marcha atrás 42 Permiso provisional 43 Límite de población 44 Matrícula 45 Estación de carga 46 Peligros 47 Peatón 48 Ciclista 49 Autobús 50 Policía 51 Ambulancia 52 Norma europea de emisiones 53 Bache 54 Camino 55 Partículas 56 Contaminación del aire 57 Hora punta 58 Código de circulación 59 Canaleta de la calle 60 Residuos en la calzada 61 Bicicleta de carga 62 Vehículo forestal 63 Vehículo de construcción 64 Camión articulado 65 Trolebús 66 Speed pedelec 67 Vehículo de reparto 68 Motor al ralentí 69 Grúa 70 Tracción a las cuatro ruedas 71 Prohibido el paso de vehículos 72 Bicicleta 73 Equipamiento de motocicleta 74 Tranvía 75 Vía férrea 76 Caravana 77 Remolque 78 Enganche de remolque 79 Camión de bomberos 80 Sirena 81 Convoy 82 Luces de vehículos de emergencia 83 Maquinaria agrícola 84 Bicicleta eléctrica 85 Vehículo eléctrico 86 Pedelec 87 Cuadriciclo 88 Microcoche 89 Vehículo todoterreno 90 Furgoneta 91 Vehículo recreativo 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Vehículo de movilidad personal 95 Monopatín 96 Segway 97 Patinete 98 Patines 99 Cartero 100 Autoestopista ...