The Dangers of Having Unrestrained Pets in Your Car

Everyone knows distracted driving is dangerous for all drivers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that distracted driving accidents accounted for 3,154 fatalities that occurred in 2013. In addition, roughly 424,000 individuals were injured. However, most people only think of distracted driving as texting, eating, or talking on the phone. However, your furry friend can be a form of distracted driving, too!

In 2011, the American Automobile Association and Kurgo, a company that makes pet travel gear, conducted a survey to find out if pets were a form of distracted and dangerous driving. From the research provided, it became clear that many drivers who ride with unrestrained pets have participated in all three forms of distracted driving: visual distractions, physical distractions, and cognitive distractions.

These two organizations discovered the following shocking statistics.

• 23% used their arms to restrain dogs while applying the brakes
• 9% took one hand off the wheel to prevent pets from climbing onto the front seat
• 17% admitted to holding dogs in their laps during car rides

How to Prevent Unnecessary Accidents

Sometimes, you have no choice but to bring your pet on a drive. You may need to take him/her to the vet, on a trip to the dog park, the groomers, or to a babysitter. Other times, you may just want company on a long drive and know that your pet can do the trick. However, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions to help keep yourself and others drivers safe. Consider the following tips to get from point-A to point-B safely!

• Purchase pet travel gear and make sure the gear is installed properly.
• Using a leash, secure your pet in the backseat to prevent him/her from making his/her way to the front.
• Place your pet in a crate during the ride and make sure the crate is securely fastened.

Strong Law, P.C. Cares About Your Safety on the Road

The Springfield car accident lawyers at Strong Law, P.C. care about the safety of you, your passengers, and others sharing the road. To ensure you are commuting in a safe manner, may sure your pet is in a safe area that will not distract you during your commute. This may be the difference between a car accident and a safe drive.

Our Springfield car accident attorneys are here for you. If you were involved in a serious car accident by no fault of your own, get in touch with our legal team today.