Driving with Your Dog Can Be Distracting

Many people make their dogs a part of their everyday activities. This often means taking the dog for a ride in the car. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed that having a dog in the car can lead to dangerous driving conditions and cause crashes.

According to AAA data, 56 percent of dog owners drive with their pets. Of those, only 16 percent restrain their dogs while in the car. One dog owner expressed the importance of restraining a dog by using a car harness when traveling saying, “Either the dog could get really hurt or cause you or someone else to get really hurt.” There are a variety of pet car seats on the market that help keep your animal safe in the event of a crash, as well as keep them from getting in the way of a driver’s operation of the vehicle.

Many people wouldn’t drive while talking on the phone or texting but don’t realize that having a dog in the car can be just as distracting. The most common distraction that was reported in the AAA study was petting the dog while driving at 56 percent. Restraining the dog while braking came in second at 23 percent and 19 percent of people who drive with their dog said they have to keep the dog from jumping into the front seat. All of these distractions can lead to unsafe driving or a crash. AAA recommends using a pet restraint system that will keep your pet safe and keep the driver from being distracted.

If you are in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, that person is responsible for their actions and you may be entitled to compensation. Call the Maryland auto accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC to discuss your options. Call 301-932-9997 or 800-301-7172 today.