Dog Car Safety: Is It Dangerous for Dogs to Ride in the Car
The issue of dog car safety is being talked about more these days, and there are actually proposals for laws in some states that would require animals in a vehicle to be secured. It's dangerous for dogs to ride in a car when they are not secured by a harness, cage or partition.
Dangers of Dogs in Cars
One primary danger of having unsecured dogs in a vehicle is that they can become a quick moving hazard in any sudden braking or accident situation. Just like a human who is not strapped into the car with a seatbelt, a dog can easily fly toward the front of the vehicle, causing injury to itself and passengers.
Energetic dogs tend to distract their drivers. Some dogs cannot help themselves from trying to climb into their owner's lap while they are driving, clawing at windows or jumping up on the dash. When this distracts the driver, or when it impairs the driver's view, it's a real danger.
All drivers, pet owners included, need to commit themselves to complete concentration while behind the wheel. They need to make sure they don't wind up in situations where they need to divide their attention between their pet and the road. It’s not just for their own safety, but for the safety of other drivers as well.
Other Considerations
As pet safety laws are proposed, lawmakers look at the total picture, considering what’s dangerous for dogs in travel situations. Here are some of the aspects of dog safety that public officials may be looking at.
- Dogs left in enclosed vehicles - Another aspect of animal safety is preventing dogs and other pets from becoming negatively impacted by extreme heat inside stopped vehicles. Even on a moderately hot day, the heat inside a car or truck can reach unsafe levels.
- Solutions for unsecured dogs in a vehicle - There are a number of easy options for making it safe to transport your pet. A safety harness will keep a dog from flying around in a car. A kennel cage or partition can also be effective.
- Dogs riding in truck beds - Some local laws may target the traveling of either people or dogs in the open back of a truck, where the chances of injury have been shown to be relatively high in even a minor crash situation.
To many, the issue of securing dogs can be complex. From an animal rights situation, the issue is tricky. A pet owner has to make a choice between securing the animal, which could be uncomfortable, or letting it loose, with could be quite dangerous. In the end, dog car safety laws are being passed with human safety, not just animal safety, in mind.
It's a good idea for drivers to evaluate what's best for their dogs, especially considering the nature and temperament of their pets, and look at using a safety harness or related gear to minimize the chances of injury in an accident.
