Drivers on westbound Highway 36 near Federal Boulevard had an unexpected obstacle Thursday morning when a large dog, possibly a bullmastiff, bolted into traffic and started threading the needle between moving cars.
AirTracker7 footage shows the animal sprinting along the roadway as drivers slowed, tapped their brakes, or pulled to the shoulder to avoid hitting it. The dog eventually left the highway at Federal and disappeared into a nearby neighborhood. It was not immediately clear whether the animal was injured or who owned it.
Denver7 traffic expert Jayson Luber, watching from AirTracker7, said the dog was first spotted moving westbound on the eastbound side of Highway 36 near Pecos Street. Some motorists slowed or stopped in an apparent attempt to help. Luber said the animal appeared to be a Bullmastiff or another similarly large breed before it exited the roadway, according to Denver7.
How motorists should respond
Transportation experts say that when an animal darts into traffic, the safest move for drivers is to brake firmly and in a controlled way, not swerve at the last second. Flashing headlights or using the horn can help warn other drivers and may also encourage the animal to move off the road…