When dealing with animals being driven along the road, watch out for the warning signs, slow down, be patient and obey the law. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $524.
There are a number of steps that drivers can take to avoid accidents involving stock on country roads.
Drivers should:
- Slow down and be able to stop or give way when there are animals on the road or roadside.
- Watch out for ‘STOCK CROSSING’ warning signs and other animal advisory signs. You should slow down and be prepared to stop. It takes on average 82m to stop a car when travelling 100km/h on a dry road.
- Never sound your horn as this may frighten the animals.
- Watch for advice from the person in control of the stock.
- Look out for working dogs, as they will be watching the stock and not your car.
Signs may be placed along the road to warn motorists that stock are on the road A 'STOP' sign or a 'GIVE WAY TO STOCK' sign will be displayed when stock are at a stock crossing. You must stop prior to the crossing and not proceed until all stock have completed their crossing.
This sign will be displayed approximately 300m from in advance of where the stock will cross the road. You must slow down to a speed which will enable you to avoid hitting an animal.
These signs will be displayed when livestock are grazing or are with a drover. You must slow down to a speed that would enable you to give way or stop if necessary. On occasions these signs may specify the number of kilometres over which stock are likely to be found, for example, 'Give Way to Stock Next 5 km'.