Cruce de animalesFrancia

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38. 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 Francia 2 Autopista 3 Vía rápida 4 Zona residencial 5 Zona 6 Límite de velocidad 7 Velocidad mínima 8 Velocidad recomendada 9 Senda peatonal 10 Carril bici 11 Advertencia de peatones 12 Túnel 13 Puente 14 Calle ciclista 15 Zona peatonal 16 Resalto 17 Carretera de peaje 18 Aduana 19 Sentido único 20 Muelle 21 Pendiente 22 Carril bus 23 Parada de autobús 24 Calle sin salida 25 Señal de STOP 26 Ceda el paso 27 Glorieta 28 Vía con prioridad 29 Estrechamiento de calzada 30 Prioridad sobre el tráfico en sentido contrario 31 Ceda el paso al tráfico en sentido contrario 32 Paso de peatones 33 Paso a nivel 34 Dirección obligatoria 35 Prohibición de giro 36 Zona escolar 37 Adelantamiento 38 Cruce de animales 39 Calzada deslizante 40 Desprendimiento de rocas 41 Aeronaves 42 Curva 43 Panel direccional 44 Circulación en sentido contrario 45 Obras 46 Viento lateral 47 Límite de altura 48 Límite de anchura 49 Límite de longitud 50 Límite de peso 51 Señal de control de velocidad 52 Barreras selectivas 53 Zona de bajas emisiones 54 Prioridad en la próxima intersección 55 Semáforos 56 Advertencia de semáforos 57 Semáforos peatonales 58 Marcas viales 59 Esquema de intersección 60 Zona avanzada para bicicletas 61 Indicador de velocidad 62 Permiso de conducir 63 Marcador de ubicación 64 Número de carretera 65 Paneles de aproximación 66 Aseos públicos 67 Área de descanso 68 Espejo de tráfico 69 Teléfono de emergencia 70 Frontera internacional 71 Ruta ciclista 72 Fin de restricción 73 Estacionamiento 74 Prohibido estacionar 75 Prohibido parar 76 Estacionamiento en línea 77 Estacionamiento alterno 78 Parquímetro 79 Disco de estacionamiento 80 Estacionamiento para personas con discapacidad 81 Gestión del tráfico 82 Incorporación 83 Marcha atrás 84 Cambio de sentido 85 Viaje compartido 86 Atasco 87 Intersección sin regulación 88 Estado de la calzada 89 Circunvalación 90 Salida 91 Punto de información 92 Equitación 93 Permiso provisional 94 Mercancías peligrosas 95 Salida de emergencia 96 Rampa de frenado de emergencia 97 Servicio de radio 98 Carga sobredimensionada 99 Carril 100 Estación de inflado ...