If a dog is near your path, what is the recommended timing to accelerate away?

• A. Accelerate away as the dog approaches.
• B. Stop and wait for the dog to move.
• C. Maintain speed and honk.
• D. Change lanes to pass.

Answer: (A)

When a dog is near your path, the goal is to create as much space as quickly as possible so the animal can move away from the roadway and you can pass safely. Accelerating away as the dog approaches helps open up distance right at the moment exposure is highest, reducing the chance of a sudden cross into your lane and giving you better control as you pass.

Stopping and waiting could leave you exposed to traffic behind you, and the dog might not stay put. Maintaining speed and honking often startles the animal and can lead to erratic movements. Changing lanes to pass can place you in a tighter situation or in the path of oncoming traffic. Accelerating away as the dog nears focuses on clearing the hazard promptly and maintaining a safer buffer as you go by.