subject: Pet Distractions Worrying Traffic Safety Experts [print this page]
AAA study: One in five admit driving with dog in lap
A recent survey by AAA found some potentially alarming facts about the risky habits of the 80 percent of pet owners who take their furry loved ones driving in their vehicles. The survey, conducted a AAA and pet equipment dealer Kurgo, asked 1,000 dog owners how often they take their pooches for a ride, and about their habits behind the wheel.
A solid 80 percent of the pet owners said they drive with their pets in many scenarios, including day trips, errands, leisure, and to pet-oriented destinations, such as dog parks and pet shops. But only 17 percent use pet restraints during the ride.
In fact, more than one in five admit they drive with their dogs in their laps.
A solid 80 percent of the pet owners said they drive with their pets in many scenarios, including day trips, errands, leisure, and to pet-oriented destinations, such as dog parks and pet shops. But only 17 percent use pet restraints during the ride.
In fact, more than one in five admit they drive with their dogs in their laps.
In all, nearly 60 percent of the respondents said they carried out some sort of distracting activity, including:
Petting the dog 55 percent
Driving with dog in lap 21 percent
Feeding or watering the dog 7 percent
Playing with the dog 5 percent
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.
"Restraining your pet when driving can not only help protect your pet, but you and other passengers in your vehicle as well," cautioned Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, Traffic Safety Programs manager "An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in the vehicle in its path."
"It's not worth the risk," saidDr. Michael Becker, director of San Antonio's Becker Animal Hospital, a major center for 24-hour pet care. "All animals should drive in restraints or transport containers. As with your children, if you love them, you'll make them safe and secure while driving."
There are a variety of products available to help dog owners reduce distractions their pets might cause while driving while keeping them safe. AAA recommends owners utilize a restraint system anytime they are driving with their pet - even close to home.
Never allow your cat to roam freely. Their habit of sitting on your lap or lying on the dashboard makes them distracting. Use a cat-designed travel crate.
Use a pet-designed harness or seat belt to tether your dog. If not, a sudden stop could send it hurtling forward, placing itself and other passengers in danger. Plus, a harness will prevent your dog from distracting driving-attention with licks to the ear, or, moving around your feet near the brake and gas pedals.
Never leave your pet in a parked car during the summer. Children and pets can die from concentrated heat inside a vehicle.
Don't let your dog hang its head out a side window.
Never attach a restraining device to your pet's collar while inside a vehicle.
