When and where animals appear
- Dawn, dusk and night are the riskiest times, when many animals are active and visibility is low.
- Watch for warning signs, wooded stretches, fields, water and farmland.
- Where you see one animal, there are often more. A herd, or a young animal, may follow the first.
Ride to give yourself time
- Slow down in places where animals are likely, and in poor light.
- Scan the road edges and verges, not just the road ahead. Look for eyes reflecting in your headlight.
- Use your high beam when it is safe to do so and there is no oncoming traffic.
- Cover the brakes, and keep your speed within what your headlight lets you see.
If an animal appears
- Brake firmly and progressively in a straight line, if you have time. Keep the bike upright.
- Avoid swerving suddenly. A sharp swerve into another lane or off the road is often more dangerous than the animal.
- If a collision cannot be avoided, brake as much as you can and release the brakes just before impact if it helps you keep control. Look where you want to go.
- Horn and lights may help warn the animal, but do not rely on them.
After an incident
Stop in a safe place, check yourself and the bike, and call for help if anyone is hurt or the animal is a danger to others. See what to do after a crash.
Animals behave unpredictably. This is general guidance, not a guarantee of safety.