AAA Survey On Driving With Dogs Reveals Unsafe Behavior - With over seventy-eight million dogs living in more than 46 million American homes, an increasing number of our animal companions are accompanying the family on road trips, day trips, and local errands. However, driving with a dog in a vehicle can lead to distracted driving, and this can put the passengers, the dog, other drivers, and pedestrians in danger. More information on all types of cars is available at Indianapolis Chevrolet Dealers. A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo, a manufacturer of pet travel products, examined how often dog owners drove with their dogs and their driving habits. The online study was conducted among a sample of 1,000 dog owners who have driven with their dog in past 12 months. The results showed that drivers with dogs in the car frequently engage in dangerous behavior.
Of the 56 percent of the survey respondents who indicated they have driven with their dog at least once a month in the past year, many admitted to participating in behaviors that take their attention away from the road and that required them to take at least one hand off the steering wheel. The most common distracted driving behavior was petting their dog (52 percent). Almost one-quarter (23 percent) of the dog-owners in the survey have held their dog in place with their hands or arm while they were applying the brakes. Nineteen percent said they used their hands or arms to prevent their dog from climbing into the front seat. Drivers also admitted to engaging in other distracting behaviors, including reaching into the back seat to interact with their dog (18 percent), sitting with their dog in their lap or holding their dog (17 percent), and giving the dog food or treats (13 percent). A startling number of people (3 percent) have admitted to taking a photo of their dog while driving.
These behaviors are dangerous. Distracted driving increases the risk of a crash. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles a driver’s risk of being in a crash. The survey showed that while most of the respondents, (83 percent), said that they were aware of the dangers of driving with an unrestrained dog, but only 16 percent reported that they use a pet restraint. Mitsubishi Colorado Springs offers value and service for all your automotive needs. The survey also found that drivers who have heard about situations where dogs that weren’t restrained were either injured or injured passengers in a car crash were three times more likely (32 percent) to use pet restraints than drivers who use a restraint but weren’t aware of the accident scenarios (9 percent).
AAA recommends that dog owners use a restraint system anytime they are driving with their pet—even for short trips close to home. Using a pet restraint can limit distractions and help protect pets and passengers. “Drivers should use a pet restraint system for your dog every time their pet is in the vehicle,” said Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National Traffic Safety Programs manager. “A restraint … will not only limit distractions, but also protect you, your pet and other passengers in the event of a crash or sudden stop.” A number of pet restraint products are available to keep pets safe and help dog owners reduce potential distractions caused by pets while driving. Recent innovations in this market have made these products more comfortable for the dog and more convenient for the owner to use.
More than two in five (42 percent) of the respondents stated they don’t use a pet restraint because they believe their dog is calm and they don’t think the dog needs a restraint. However, in the event of a crash or sudden stop, a calm dog will be thrown with the same amount of force as an active dog—a danger for all passengers as well as the pet. “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,” said Huebner-Davidson. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Spartanburg is a great source for all your automotive needs. Other reasons cited for not using a restraint include: never considered it (39 percent), just take dog on short trips (29 percent), and 12 percent want their dog to be able to put its head out the window. Eighteen percent of respondents who drive with a dog in the vehicle also have children under the age of 13 who ride with them. Seventy percent of these motorists have driven with a child and an unrestrained dog in the vehicle at the same time.
Photos courtesy of AAA.
Tags: dogs, Indianapolis Chevrolet Dealers, pet safety, auto safety, Mitsubishi Colorado Springs, pet restraints, AAA, Kurgo, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Spartanburg, distracted driving
