chapter 8 — emergency strategies Strategies: stuck gas pedal  Animals on the road You in the driver’s seat Strategies: watching for animals  driving tip 129 If your gas pedal sticks:  You’re driving along a rural highway at dusk. You’re  keeping a careful watch for animals; you’ve seen deer and  elk in this area before. Suddenly, a large elk steps out from  the brush, right into your path.  What should you do?  In B.C., animals on the road are a major hazard. Crashing into  a large animal can cause damage and injury, not just to the  animal, but to you and your passengers. To help prevent a collision with an animal:  Take extra care when  driving near horses and  riders. Slow down and  give them lots of space  when you pass. Don’t  honk the horn because  this could cause the horse  to bolt into your path. • Remember that wild animals often move in herds. If you  see one animal, there may be more. • Look for sudden, unusual spots of light on the roadway  at night. This may be the reflection of your headlights  off an animal’s eyes.  • Be extra cautious at dusk and dawn. This is when  animals move around to feed, and it is also harder for  you to see them at these times.  • Watch for animal crossing signs when driving through  farming or wooded areas. Slow down in these areas.  • Scan the sides of the roadway ahead for animals.  • Follow your escape path and, once you’re stopped, turn  off the engine.  • Do not try to start the engine again. Call for help instead.  • Look for an escape path that will get you off the road.  Continue to brake.  • Shift to neutral to disconnect the engine from the  wheels. (This may damage your engine but it’s better  than crashing. Note that steering and braking will  become harder if the engine stops.)  • Apply the brake. 