A warning sign
Wild animals
A red triangle showing a leaping deer warns that wild animals may be in the road ahead.
01
What it means
Deer and other wild animals cross rural roads especially at dawn and dusk, and in autumn. Slow down, and if one crosses, expect more to follow. If a collision is unavoidable, brake firmly in a straight line rather than swerving - swerving into oncoming traffic or a tree is usually worse than the animal. A separate 'cattle' or 'wild horses' version exists for farm and moorland roads.
02
Where you'll see it
Rural and forest roads, moorland, and stretches beside woodland - watch for the sign and for animal warning reflectors.
03
On your driving test
Read the sign, ease your speed, and scan the verges. The safe reaction to an animal in the road is controlled braking, not a swerve.
Often confused with
Quick answers
Should I swerve to avoid an animal?
Usually no. Brake firmly and stay in your lane - swerving risks a head-on collision or hitting a tree, which is generally far more dangerous than the animal itself.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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