Cruce de animalesEstados Unidos

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27. 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 Estados Unidos 2 Autopista 3 Vía rápida 4 Límite de velocidad 5 Velocidad mínima 6 Velocidad recomendada 7 Carril bici 8 Advertencia de peatones 9 Túnel 10 Puente 11 Resalto 12 Carretera de peaje 13 Sentido único 14 Pendiente 15 Carril bus 16 Parada de autobús 17 Calle sin salida 18 Señal de STOP 19 Ceda el paso 20 Glorieta 21 Estrechamiento de calzada 22 Paso de peatones 23 Paso a nivel 24 Dirección obligatoria 25 Prohibición de giro 26 Zona escolar 27 Cruce de animales 28 Calzada deslizante 29 Desprendimiento de rocas 30 Aeronaves 31 Curva 32 Panel direccional 33 Circulación en sentido contrario 34 Obras 35 Límite de altura 36 Límite de peso 37 Señal de control de velocidad 38 Barreras selectivas 39 Semáforos 40 Advertencia de semáforos 41 Semáforos peatonales 42 Marcas viales 43 Zona avanzada para bicicletas 44 Indicador de velocidad 45 Permiso de conducir 46 Espejo de tráfico 47 Teléfono de emergencia 48 Ruta ciclista 49 Estacionamiento 50 Prohibido estacionar 51 Prohibido parar 52 Estacionamiento en línea 53 Aparcamiento disuasorio 54 Kiss and Ride 55 Estacionamiento para personas con discapacidad 56 Gestión del tráfico 57 Marcha atrás 58 Cambio de sentido 59 Viaje compartido 60 Desvío 61 Intersección sin regulación 62 Ramal 63 Salida 64 Equitación 65 Salida de emergencia 66 Rampa de frenado de emergencia 67 Carga sobredimensionada 68 Límite de población 69 Atracción turística 70 Claxon 71 Límite de carga por eje 72 Matrícula 73 Estación de carga 74 Inundación 75 Depresión 76 Caballo 77 Tráfico local 78 Peatón 79 Ciclista 80 Motocicleta 81 Camión 82 Autobús 83 Policía 84 Ambulancia 85 Señales de la policía 86 Carretera de grava 87 Bache 88 Mediana 89 Propiedad pública 90 Camino 91 Partículas 92 Contaminación del aire 93 Enlace 94 Hora punta 95 Estación de servicio 96 Código de circulación 97 Doble sentido 98 Carril de adelantamiento 99 Canaleta de la calle 100 Residuos en la calzada ...