Whether you’re traveling with your pet to run some quick errands or you are planning a family road trip, there are multiple ways pets make you and your passengers vulnerable.
First, an unrestrained pet may cause distractions that lead to accidents. According to the NHTSA, “Nine percent of fatal crashes, 15 percent of injury crashes, and 15 percent of all police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2019 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.” Equally as disturbing, unrestrained pets are vulnerable in a car accident.
Not only are they more vulnerable to being crushed or injured in a car accident, but an unrestrained and scared pet is also likely to run away in the chaos of an accident. That’s why we’ve assembled a list of seven tips to ensure you, your fellow passengers, and your pets stay safe.
Most dogs love to hang their head out of the window. They like the refreshing airflow, and they delight in sniffing the array of interesting scents. Unfortunately, this puts their eyes in the way of rocks, dirt, and other debris blowing in the wind or churned up by the car’s tires. This leads to corneal abrasions, punctures, and other eye injuries.
Lapdogs fit perfectly on their human companions’ laps while driving, making for an enjoyable ride. Unfortunately, that also means that even a minor fender bender can result in your beloved dog being crushed between you and the steering column. Ensuring your dog is restrained safely is the best way to keep you - and your canine buddy - safe.
Think of your pet as a small child. You’d never drive around with a baby or toddler free-ranging in the vehicle, right? This will put the child at great risk for injury or death if you’re involved in an accident. Even a sudden stop or swerve can do a tremendous amount of damage to an unrestrained pet.
There are several ways to restrain your pet in the car safely. Examples include:
Some of these are safer than others, but all are safer than having your dog or cat moving freely in the vehicle, or perched on your lap, in case the unexpected occurs.
Most dog owners use a combination of the above to keep traveling pets as safe as possible. For example, the harness seatbelt is the best option for shorter trips and everyday drives to drop kids off at school or run errands. However, if you are going for a day drive or are bringing your pet along for a more extended road trip, they might be more comfortable in the back seat hammock or in the back of the car where they have more time to stretch or move around a bit while still being secured.
A first-aid kit is an automatic must-have for any car. If your pets are regular companions in your travels, expand that first-aid kit to include them as well. You can purchase a pet first aid kit online, or your vet can give you a list of items to put together for a DIY version.
Visit our post, 15 Emergency Roadside Kit Must-Haves, to learn more about what to have on hand to keep yourself and fellow passengers safe no matter how bumpy the adventure may get.
Solar heat gain is a real threat to all pets in cars. Even though it may seem cool to you, your pet will overheat if your vehicle is parked or still with any amount of sunshine. When in doubt about shady, cool parking places, leave your pet at home. If you take your dog or cat along and need to leave them in the car, be thoughtful about it.
If you get into the car when you return from your meal, errand, or meeting and you feel like the car is super hot and stuffy, it was too hot for your pet. Also, pay attention while driving. The combination of a dog in the back of the car and the sun beating through the window while stuck in traffic has equal potential for overheating.
Hopefully, you’ll never need to use it. However, in the chance that you do get into an accident and your pet is in the car, it’s a good idea to have your veterinarian’s information on hand. If you are in shock or unconscious, having a printed copy of your veterinarian’s contact information in the glove compartment and stored in your phone helps bystanders and first responders get your pet the medical attention they need.
Honoring these routine precautions will ensure you’re traveling safely with pets in your care. Need a tow or roadside assistance? Contact J&T Towing. (707) 356-4613. Our pet-friendly towing services are available 24/7, 365 days of the year.
