Animals on the road — Oklahoma Permit Test

If an animal suddenly runs in front of your vehicle, do not swerve to avoid it; swerving may cause a more serious crash than hitting the animal.

A sharp swerve can roll the car or send it into a tree or oncoming traffic, which is far worse than the animal.

DO NOT swerve to avoid hitting the animal.

Use caution when driving at dawn or dusk, when animals are most active.

Animals move to feed at first and last light, which is also when they are hardest for drivers to see.

Use caution when driving at dawn or dusk; this is when animals are most active.

Deer and vehicle crashes most often occur from October to December.

Deer move around much more in late fall, so knowing the season tells you when to be extra watchful.

Deer/vehicle crashes most often occur from October to December.

Scan the sides of the road and watch for the reflection of your headlights in the eyes of animals.

At night an animal’s eyes shine in your lights long before you can see its body, giving you time to slow.

Scan the sides of the road and watch for the reflection of your headlights in the eyes of animals.

Slow down when approaching an animal standing near the roadway, and be extra alert on roads marked with animal crossing signs.

An animal by the road can bolt in any direction without warning, so less speed gives you room to stop.

Slow down when approaching an animal standing near the roadway.

An animal suddenly runs in front of your car. What does the manual say not to do?

Swerve to avoid hitting it. A sharp swerve can roll the car or send it into a tree or oncoming traffic, which is far worse than the animal. Oklahoma Driver Manual, p.61: “DO NOT swerve to avoid hitting the animal.”