How to Drive Safely With Pets
An unrestrained dog in the car can lead to problems.
Many people consider their pets to be part of the family. For the pets, they may instinctively want to jump into the car and enjoy themselves on a ride, no matter the destination. Many people aren’t aware that allowing a dog to move around the vehicle unsecured raises the chances of an accident occurring. You or your pet could be seriously injured if they aren’t properly secured or if they cause a distraction.
To make sure that you and your pet are safe, it’s recommended that you always restrain dogs using a seat belt and harness while driving. Harnesses can typically be found at local pet stores or online. Using a pet crate is another option, but depending on its sturdiness and size, your dog could still end up injured after a crash. You may have apprehension about restraining your pet while driving, but keeping them properly secured is the best decision for them, the driver and others on the road.
Several safety hazards can result from pets riding unrestrained in a moving vehicle. Out of 1,000 people surveyed, almost one-third of dog-owning drivers stated that they have been distracted by their pets while driving. Twenty-one percent allowed their dogs to sit in their lap and five percent admit to playing with their pets while driving. Please keep the following in mind the next time you take your pet for a drive:
- An unrestrained dog can physically interfere with your ability to drive a car. You should never let your dog move freely through the passenger areas of your vehicle or sit in your lap as they can get in the way of safe operation and cause an accident.
- An unrestrained dog can also mentally distract the driver if they’re busy dealing with the dog’s behavior, or trying to pet and interact with them.
- An unrestrained dog may fall or jump out of an open window or back of a truck.
- An unrestrained dog could become a dangerous projectile in the event of an accident, if your car stops abruptly or is hit by another car.
- An unrestrained dog can also interfere with the efforts of rescue workers in an emergency. In their fear, dogs could easily run into the road and cause another accident, or hurt rescue personnel during a critical time.
If your pet is safe, comfortable and secure, you can absolutely take them for a drive. Keep these tips in mind before you take off this summer!
This story is brought to you by Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
