Car Safety For You AND Your Dog

Many dogs love the thrill of riding in a car or truck with their owner – often both the trip and the destination is exciting for man’s best friend. However, not nearly enough dog owners understand the safety risks involved with driving with a dog, both for their beloved pet and for any humans who are in the car. Here are some simple safety tips for those who travel with their dogs:

• Don’t allow your dog to ride in the front seat. Any sudden stop could cause your dog to be thrown into the windshield. In addition, a dog riding in the front seat could be a nuisance to the driver or inadvertently press buttons.
• If possible, restrain your dog. You may think that putting a harness on your dog is silly or that having a secured crate in your car takes up too much room. However, securing your dog in your vehicle can minimize your dog’s injuries in the event of an accident and prevent your dog from becoming a dangerous projectile.
• Before riding with your dog, be sure it is properly trained. A dog that does not respond to voice commands such as “sit” and “stay” is a dangerous dog to have in a moving car.
• Never leave your dog alone in a hot car. Many pet owners are not aware of how hot a closed vehicle can be or how quickly a pet can die in a closed car.
• Do not allow your dog to be a driver distraction. If you must frequently check your dog’s behavior or discipline your dog, you may be putting yourself in danger by engaging in distracted driving.
• Do not allow your dog to put its head or body out of a vehicle’s window. This is distracting for the driver and dangerous for your dog.

Although some of these dog car safety tips may seem inconvenient for those who often travel with their dog, please understand that following these parameters could save the life of both you and your pet.
Do you need the advice of a Dallas personal injury attorney after a Texas car accident? Call the experienced lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm today.