Cruce de animalesMundial

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