What should a driver do if an animal is crossing the street?

The appropriate action for a driver when encountering an animal crossing the street is to slow down and allow the animal to cross safely. This approach prioritizes the safety of both the driver and the animal. Animals often react unpredictably in traffic situations, and slowing down gives the driver more time to react to the animal's movements. It helps to prevent accidents that could cause serious injury to both the animal and the driver, as well as any passengers in the vehicle.

Additionally, allowing the animal to cross safely demonstrates responsible driving behavior and shows consideration for wildlife. Making sudden movements such as speeding up or stopping abruptly can lead to dangerous situations, including loss of vehicle control or collisions with other vehicles. Using the horn to scare the animal could create panic, potentially leading to the animal darting back into traffic, which increases the risk of an accident. Therefore, slowing down and being patient is the safest option when an animal crosses the street.