Cat's do you do the emergency stop for them?

[Loosehead]

The other day I was driving down a city dual carraigeway, limit 50, I was doing about 45, the road was fairly empty no one close in front or behind. Anyway a cat ran across the road well in front, not necessary for me to brake no problem, suddenly though when the cat got to the central reservation it saw that it was not going to be able to get across the other carraigeway, so instead of stopping in the middle it darted back right across the front of my car (why do they do that?) anyway I nailed on the anchors ABS kicked in and I missed it by a whisker (ha ha!). It was only afterward that I thought that if something had been behind it would probably have rear ended me. Anyway should I have braked? I definately would have hit it otherwise, or should I just have carried on and run it over? The highway code probably says the latter but morally what do you think? Just wondering if someone did hit me up the back would it still be his/her fault (insurance wise) in such a situation?

[maviscoull]

oh dear, bless you ! well i love animals and i would have braked or swerved to avoid the cat. however, if someone went up the back of you then it could be your fault or possibly ( for insurance ) bump for bump. then again, the person behind you should be aware of braking distances...and kept theirs !!!!

[spaced]

technically it would be their fault as most rear enders end up as the liability of the one behind (ooh matron!), because they should be at a distance that allows them to stop before they hit you - "only a fool will break the 2 second rule". 2 seconds distance between each vehicle.

Morally - I have always been told that if an animal jumps out, just keep driving and dnot brake and risk yours or others lives. But braking is an instant reaction which is hard control if an animal jumps out. Your instant reaction is to brake.

[WoWo]

It would definately be the other persons fault if the hit you in the rear end (in almost all) circumstances. They have to leave ample braking distance between you and themselves.

No idea what the highway code says about hitting cats, but if you do there is no requirement to tell the police as there is with dogs, horses, cattle and deers.

[123paul]

You did the right thing. People who say they would not stop for a cat , would they stop for a horse? I expect so.

Is there any reason why a horse is more worthy of your braking?

[woodchopper]

If a cat ran out in front of me, if I could safley avoid it without endangering another road user or myself I would - however if it means causing damage to my own or someone elses car even if they rear ended me how ever costly or not - the cat is going to get squashed every time.

As for 123paul's answer - hitting a horse with your car is certainly going to cause injury or even death.Plus the fact that horses are expensive and cats are not worth a penny
( unless they are a rare breed ) except sentimental value.

[neo680]

Just for info, as far as the law is concerned there are certain animals which if you hit them you must report the accident: cattle, horse, ass, mule, pig, sheep, dog or goat.
Any others you can strike at will!
(But badgers will really make a mess of the front of your car.)
And yes, as previously said, the following vehicle should be able to stop safely if you brake suddenly, no matter what the reason.

[aidantraffor]

So, you don't have to brake for an elephant?

[Catso]

woodchopper: my cat has sentimental value to me, far above the monetary value of a horse.

Something runs into the road, and it's a natural reaction to hit the brakes, not matter what it is.

However, given enough time to think, if it were likely to cause an accident that would result in injury to another person, I would ease off the brakes. Sorry, pussy, or doggy.

Badgers do wreck your car, I've seen it! Catch a fox wrong and it's nearly as bad. A long time ago, I knew a lorry driver who had a deer run into the road in front of him, in the New Forest. Made a right mess of the truck, though fortunately he wasn't hurt.