Is it better to run over small mammals rather than swerve around them [and incur damage from adjacent objects]

Answer 1

Yes, it is better to save your own life, and the lives of your passengers..When you swerve, it is too easy to lose control of your car, and all lives are at risk...It is best to drive slow enough and be ever watchful that the situation doesn't happen..
I lived for three years, in the mountains, where there was always wildlife on the roads..I soon learned to be very watchful..Then, when visiting in the city, I would still tense with every movement on the side of the road..and it was usually just garbage blowing around...lol...but I was still expecting deer.

Answer 2

It's up to how much you value any life, human or animal.

Personally, I drive in a manner that I can slow down or stop to let the mammal (or even birds) to get out of the road. Although more rare now than years ago, I try to straddle turtles so they aren't hurt.

Once I saw a driver deliberately swerve in the direction of and hit a squirrel I had just let pass. I would have jammed my brakes to make them stop, and jerked them out of the car and beat them, but got even better revenge when a police car pulled them over.

Answer 3

To answer your question directly as written,,,,,, yes!

This is the answer from ripley.'s on the topic of swerving to avoid hit animals

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2001/10/19/emrip20.xml

Answer 4

In the actual situation, it will be a split second decision. So, it is better for you to make up your mind first on what you wish to do under different scenarios.


For me, it is avoid whenever it is safe to do so.

If not, I will take the direct path.

Answer 5

NEITHER