Cruce de animalesSudáfrica

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14. 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 Sudáfrica 2 Autopista 3 Límite de velocidad 4 Advertencia de peatones 5 Resalto 6 Carretera de peaje 7 Calle sin salida 8 Señal de STOP 9 Ceda el paso 10 Glorieta 11 Paso de peatones 12 Paso a nivel 13 Zona escolar 14 Cruce de animales 15 Curva 16 Circulación en sentido contrario 17 Semáforos 18 Advertencia de semáforos 19 Espejo de tráfico 20 Estacionamiento 21 Marcha atrás 22 Atracción turística 23 Peligros 24 Autobús 25 Policía 26 Ambulancia 27 Bache 28 Camino 29 Partículas 30 Contaminación del aire 31 Hora punta 32 Código de circulación 33 Canaleta de la calle 34 Bicicleta de carga 35 Vehículo forestal 36 Vehículo de construcción 37 Camión articulado 38 Trolebús 39 Speed pedelec 40 Vehículo de reparto 41 Motor al ralentí 42 Grúa 43 Tracción a las cuatro ruedas 44 Bicicleta 45 Equipamiento de motocicleta 46 Vía férrea 47 Caravana 48 Remolque 49 Enganche de remolque 50 Camión de bomberos 51 Sirena 52 Convoy 53 Luces de vehículos de emergencia 54 Maquinaria agrícola 55 Bicicleta eléctrica 56 Vehículo eléctrico 57 Pedelec 58 Cuadriciclo 59 Microcoche 60 Vehículo todoterreno 61 Furgoneta 62 Vehículo recreativo 63 Scooter 64 Trikke 65 Vehículo de movilidad personal 66 Monopatín 67 Segway 68 Patinete 69 Patines 70 Cartero 71 Autoestopista 72 Niño pequeño 73 Niño 74 Discapacidad 75 Tren para automóviles 76 km/h 77 mph 78 Velocímetro 79 Altura libre del vehículo 80 Camino de tierra 81 Conducción 82 Sistema start-stop 83 Cambio manual 84 Cambio automático 85 Acelerador 86 Cuentarrevoluciones 87 Volante 88 Dirección asistida 89 Exploración visual 90 Espejo 91 Combustible 92 Indicador de combustible 93 Gasolina 94 Diésel 95 Líquido de escape diésel 96 Seguro de automóvil 97 Botiquín de primeros auxilios 98 Extintor 99 Ropa de alta visibilidad 100 Primeros auxilios ...