It’s not an everyday occurrence, but when a driver or pedestrian sees someone driving with a pet in their lap or elsewhere in the vehicle the usual reaction is to smile and to think what a cute picture the scene would make. A more appropriate reaction would be to worry about the safety of the driver, the animal and others on the road.
Pets — most often dogs but sometimes a cat or other creature — might be an integral part of life for many people, but their presence in a vehicle, particularly if the animal is not restrained, is by any measure a distraction to the driver. Indeed, a pet in the car, some public safety officials say, can be as disruptive as using a cellphone or texting while driving. Responsible pet owners know that. Given the growing number of critters that apparently have the freedom to roam in moving vehicles, a lot of people do not.
A dog in a driver’s lap or with its paws on the steering wheel is an obvious distraction. So is a cat on the dashboard. A pet that moves around in a vehicle can shift a driver’s attention from the road. Moreover, an unrestrained animal can become a danger to other occupants of a vehicle or itself in many instances.
A small, unrestrained dog sitting or standing in the back seat can be propelled forward at a high rate of speed if a vehicle is struck from behind. The animal can hit the back of a seat or a windshield or a passenger. The result is harm to the animal, or in a growing number of cases, injury, sometimes serious, to other occupants of the car or truck. There is a way to minimize the likelihood of harm.
If an animal must travel in a vehicle, say to an appointment at the vet,, using a restraint and tether system — an animal seat belt, if you will — significantly reduces the possibility of distraction or harm.