July 21, 2011
Chris Cole
A recent survey by the AAA (American Automobile Association) examined the driving habits of dog owners and found a worrying trend of drivers letting unrestrained dogs distract them from the road.
Most Common Distractions For Drivers
- Petting their dog (52 per cent)
- Bodily restraining their dog while braking (23 per cent)
- Using their limbs to stop dog climbing into front seat (19 per cent)
- Reaching into the back seat to interact with their dog (18 per cent)
- Having their dog on their lap while driving (17 per cent)
- Treating / feeding their dog (13 per cent)
- Photographing their dog (3 per cent)
The AAA re-emphasised how dangerous this behaviour can be as just looking away from the road for two seconds can double the likelihood of a car accident.
The Importance of Dog Car Restraints
Perhaps most worrying is the perception that dogs don't need to be restrained in cars, or rather my dog doesn't need a car restraint.While 83 per cent acknowledge the dangers of an unrestrained dog in the car just 16 per cent used a dog restraint on their pet while driving.While many claimed they didn't see the point in using a restraint on their particular dog due to a calm temperament or just commuting short distance Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National Traffic Safety Programs manager, emphasised that every unrestrained dog was both in danger and endangering its driver in a road accident:Drivers should use a pet restraint system for your dog every time their pet is in the vehicle, An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in its path.>Doggie Solutions sells a great selection of dog car travel products, including safety belts, harnesses and car cages here