Hespeler Animal Hospital

Don’t be a distracted driver with your pets!

Distracted driving is a hot topic these days.  We all know that texting and driving is a no-no.  Even eating while driving can increase the risk of accidents. But did you know driving with pets in the car can be dangerous too? 

The AAA recently did a driver survey. Here are their findings:

Motorists frequently bring dogs along and engage in distracting behaviors.   Nearly 56 percent of respondents drove with their dog at least once a month in the past year. Fifty two percent petted the dog while driving, 23 percent used their hands or arms to hold their dog in place while braking, and 19 percent reached out to keep their dog from climbing into the front seat.

Drivers admit dangers of unrestrained pets, but most don’t use pet restraints.   Eighty-three percent of respondents knew that a dog loose in a moving car can be dangerous, but only 16 percent currently use a pet restraint system.

Calm dogs and lack of awareness top pet owners’ reasons for not using a pet restraint.  More than 42 percent of respondents say they do not use a pet restraint because their dog is calm and they do not think he or she needs a restraint. However, any dog will be thrown with the same amount of force in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Whether the dog is calm or hyper, it will still be hurt, and it might injure you too! According to AAA, an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles per hour will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles per hour will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure.

Our advice:  restrain your dogs in the car and refrain from engaging in distracting behaviors while driving. We want you both to arrive safe and sound!