
Whether you’re going fifteen minutes down the street or taking a fifteen-hour road trip, if you’re driving with an animal in the vehicle, you should be taking special care of their safety and yours.
Reduce Distractions
Any passenger in the car increases the chance of the driver being distracted. This chance skyrockets when that passenger is particularly unruly, like many pets are known to be. Even if your pet is normally calm and quiet, the stress and stimulation of a car ride can turn their behavior unpredictable. That is why it is vital to safely restrain your pet while they are in your vehicle, to keep them secure and reduce distraction.
Dogs can be fastened into seatbelts specially made for them, or a crate if your vehicle is roomy enough. Cats have similar options. Other, smaller pets should be caged, and their cage should also be secured into the vehicle to prevent it jostling about or falling over in the event of a sharp turn or accident. Crates and cages should be sturdy; hard-walled, well made, with ample ventilation so as not to restrict breathing or temperature regulation.
Keep them Safe
When your pet is not secured into your vehicle a drive can risk their life and yours. Many kinds of animals are able to jump out of cars at a stop or even while moving. Not only will this seriously distract you from the road but puts them in danger of being injured by the fall or another road user and could cause a crash.
Unrestrained animals are more likely to experience life-threatening injuries in a car accident
When outside your vehicle, unrestrained, scared, and possibly chasing something, your pet can easily become injured or lost.
It is best to keep them behind a barrier that will ensure they keep their arms, legs, paws, wings, and tails inside the vehicle at all times. This means keeping them on a harness or in a crate or other restraint designed for their body type and size. It also means keeping the windows rolled up, so nobody’s head is poking out into traffic. With the windows up, you should bear in mind the animal’s comfort level and adjust the climate control accordingly. If your pet gets overheated or uncomfortable, they are likely to vocalize or fidget, distracting the driver from the road.
If you are ever involved in a traffic collision with a pet in the car, you don’t want to have to worry about if they have been thrown from the vehicle. Securing your pet into your vehicle in a sturdy cage will give them an added layer of protection from impacts and projectiles. This also prevents them from running away, getting lost, or being aggressive towards emergency response teams.
Make them Comfortable
Take breaks on long trips for them to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. Taking intermittent breaks on long drives is good for the driver too, as driving for many hours in a row can lead to fatigue and restlessness. Taking a few minutes every couple of hours to get out of the car and refresh oneself will help the driver concentrate better while behind the wheel and has the added benefit of helping pets stay calm in the car.
Making sure your pet has been well exercised and tired out before taking a long drive can also help them settle in and stay calm. It may also help calm them if you give them a toy or other item they like, so they don’t lose the senses of home and comfort. Comfort may also be improved with positive reinforcement and soft music.
Pet injuries and fatalities are more common in car accidents when pets ride in the front seat
Never leave your pet in the car by themself, as this poses many safety risks, including rapid overheating that can lead to death. Leaving a pet in an unattended car is illegal in some locations. It is also best to keep them in the backseat instead of letting them sit in the passenger seat where the airbag could hurt them.
Car seats are not designed for pets, but there are precautions you can take to help keep them safe and comfortable in the car. When they’re calm, you can fully focus on getting both of you to your destination safely.
Sources:
Comments