Many people enjoy taking their pets on car rides. But it’s also important to understand the dangers of driving with pets. Unrestrained dogs and other pets can be a dangerous distraction inside a vehicle. They’re also vulnerable to serious injuries if an accident occurs.
Fortunately, there are a few common-sense things you can do to keep your beloved pet safe while driving. Keep reading to learn more from the Georgia car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C.
Dangers of Keeping Pets Unrestrained in the Car
An unrestrained pet can increase the chances of an auto accident in several ways. Drivers sometimes place dogs in their laps, limiting their access to the steering wheel and obstructing visibility. These limitations make it harder for drivers to stay in control of their vehicles when traffic conditions change.
A four-legged friend can become a dangerous distraction, too. Say Fido tries to lunge out the window at a squirrel or turns around for a better position. These are natural behaviors in a dog’s world, but they don’t know they’re in a car. Any sudden action by a pet could cause drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road. This is a recipe for a distracted driving accident.
If the worst happens, both the driver and unrestrained pet are at risk of serious injury in a car crash. So are other motorists any anyone in the vicinity of the wreck.
Does Georgia Have Laws Regarding Pets in Cars?
Georgia law does not require owners to restrain pets during transport. But it’s smart to keep them contained in some way. Commercial pet harnesses, crates, and backseat gates can prevent the animals from getting in the front seat and compromising your safety.
However, some ordinances restrict owners from transporting animals in open vehicles, like the beds of pickup trucks. In Cobb County, owners cannot drive with an animal in an open vehicle unless they are in a fully enclosed cage or tethered in a way that keeps them from falling out of the vehicle. But harness and tethering systems are not foolproof. The harsh impact of an accident could leave a pet hanging off the side of an open vehicle or ejected entirely if the system fails.
Vehicle and Pet Safety Statistics
According to a recent survey of pet owners conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA):
- Nearly 85 percent said they regularly traveled with their pets on trips.
- Around 65 percent of survey participants admitted to engaging in distracting behavior.
- Over half of the respondents admitted to petting their animals while driving.
- Roughly 17 percent allowed their pets to sit in their laps.
- Around 13 percent admitted to giving their pets food or treats while driving.
- Only 16 percent reported using any form of pet restraint in the car.
Safety Tips for Driving with Pets
If you’re wondering
- Use a quality pet restraint system. You want restraints that protect your pet in the event of a crash and limit their ability to move around or distract you.
- When possible, keep your pet in the back seat. The deployment of an airbag in the front seat can be deadly for an unrestrained person or pet. If you can’t restrain your pet in the back seat, always be sure to disable the passenger-side airbag.
- Never drive with your pet in the bed of a truck. Pets riding in an open vehicle are vulnerable to the violent impact of an accident. The sudden change in speed can cause a pet riding in the bed of a truck to be ejected, strangled, or dragged. An unleashed pet that survives a crash could run away or get hit by an oncoming car.
- Leave your pet home if you cannot safely travel with them. You are ultimately responsible for the welfare of your pet. Since neither Rover nor Whiskers can advocate for themselves, it’s up to you to prioritize their safety.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney
Did you suffer injuries in a collision caused by a driver preoccupied with their pet? You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact a Georgia car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. for a free initial consultation.
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