Pet Safety Travel
Most everyone loves their pets, often treating them as an additional family member. However, not all people take the proper safety precautions for them when driving.
Pet safety group, Bark Buckle UP, recently studied vehicles to see which are the most pet-safe. According to the study, the Ford Edge is the safest car on the road for pets.
Following the Ford Edge are the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex, Ford Transit Connect, Kia Soul, Honda Element - which has a "dog friendly model" complete with ramp, rear car kennel, pet bed and fan, Smart Car, Subaru Outback, and Volvo XC60.
In Maine, it is illegal to drive while distracted. And while some states weigh whether to make it illegal for pets to sit on the lap of a driver or to roam freely in an automobile, Bark Buckle Up offers some safety tips to pet owners that will help protect their pets and their self.
- Train your pet to travel safely in the car when young.
- Always have your pet in the back seat of the car - though never in the bed of a pickup truck. This will stop your pet from moving around in the vehicle and possibly causing an accident.
- Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise as high as 120 degrees.
- Because cats are not as comfortable traveling in cars, they should be kept in a carrier for their own safety as well as yours.
- Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or become ill from having cold air forced into their lungs.
- Be sure your dog has enough room to stretch out comfortably. Once your dog has positioned himself in his "spot," tell him to stay. A favorite blanket, toys, and treats can help your dog stay put and keep from being bored.
- Always travel with a filled water bowl.
- Stop frequently to let your dog relieve himself.
Since 2005, pet friendly lodging has increased 300 percent. Today, an estimated 82 percent of pets travel on vacation with their owners. More than ever, pet supply shops carry a wide range of travel harnesses that buckle into most standard seat belts to secure your pet safely and securely.
Pets left to roam free can cause accidents through sudden movements and risk injury when a driver is forced to stop short or navigate a sharp turn. It is estimated that when driving 35 mph, a 60-pound unrestrained dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield, or passenger. If in the front seat, a dog’s head is too low for airbags as they were designed for adult humans. Should an airbag fail to deploy, a dog’s head could hit the windshield or be stuck in the space between the windshield and the dashboard. The pet may also escape the vehicle and cause a second accident or become agitated and bite the first responder that is on scene.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of tragic accidents. Don’t let your pet be the reason behind a life-altering event. Just like a driver buckles up for safety, so should his or her pet. Today, with the safety measures available, it should be second nature for owners to take precaution and care for their pet when on the road. Because after all, dogs enjoy being man’s best friend.
For more information on travel safety for pets please visit: www.barkbuckleup.com.
