If your dog is not properly restrained during car travel, it can be a very unsafe situation.
First, with the advent of cell phones and texting, the notion of distracted driving has been in the forefront of the news
According to AAA,
Unrestrained dogs cause distractions and potentially tens of thousands of car accidents per year.
Small Breed Dog Distractions
Maybe you have a small breed dog who sits in the passenger side while you drive.
Is he is free to jump on your lap or scurry by the foot pedals?
This can cause you to be distracted and be the cause of an accident. This lack of restraint would be hurting yourself, your dog and others.
Large Breed Dog Distractions
If you have a large breed dog who is perhaps sitting in the back seat, he could become rambunctious or nosey, rummaging through your purse. This could cause you to become distracted.
You could hurt yourself, your dog and others.
Un-Restrained Pets Often Demand Attention
Finally, an unrestrained pet often demands attention.
We feel compelled to pet, feed treats to and even play with a dog who is free roaming in our vehicle.
Once again, the driver can become easily distracted causing harm to themselves, their best friend and even others.
Accidents – Unrestrained Dogs Become Lethal Weapons
Another reason why it is unsafe to drive with an unrestrained dog has to do getting into an accident, no matter who is at fault.
Did you know that according to Paws a 75-pound unrestrained dog can exert approximately 2250 lb of force in a car crash with the car traveling only 30 miles an hour!
Your dog can become a lethal weapon if propelled by the force of a car accident. Even smaller dogs can create dangerous force. Here, the consequences to the dog are clear. Not to mention the dangers to yourself and others.
Similar to leaving a dog in an unattended car, the loving act of wanting to take our dog’s with us wherever we go should not create a potentially life threatening situation for your dog.
This Humane Issue of Dog related Distracted Driving requires ‘Our Compassion and Our Action”.
Keep your pet restrained when driving with him by either using a dog crate or some type of pet seat belt. Even if you are ‘just running to the store’ it is important to make the effort to secure your dog. Or you can just leave your dog at home. If you must ‘buckle up’ so must your dog…. 100% of the time!!!
Make sure you tell your friends about the importance of pet restraint and encourage the use of a seat belt or crate.
Pet Seat Belts & The Law
In the UK
Did you know that in the UK, drivers can receive a fine of £5,000 if they are found driving with an unrestrained animal!! Insurance rates and claims if in an accident can also be affected if it is found that the dog is unrestrained.
In the USA
In the US, some states have dog restraint laws as well. To find out if your state has consequences for driving distracted due to an unrestrained dog go to vmdtoday.com>does-your-state-require-dogs-to-wear-a-seat-belt
Thank you for being aware and being part of the solution.
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