A recent study from AAA finds that dogs in the car are a common form of driver distraction. Two-thirds of dog owners admit to petting, feeding, or playing with their dogs while driving.
- 55% of dog owners say that they pet their dog while driving
- 21% have driven with a dog on their lap
- 7% have given a dog food or water while navigating traffic
- 5% have played with their pet while driving
Another important finding, only 17% of the pet owners surveyed use a pet-restraint system. Just as children are restrained in car seats and adults in seat belts, pets need to be restrained to prevent harm to themselves and others.
Pets don't understand that driving is dangerous. Unrestrained pets can move around from seat to seat. They may try to get their owner's attention by barking or by climbing on the driver's lap. They may knock into the gear shift, brakes or other controls. But, perhaps the most important reason to keep your pet restrained is to prevent injury in the case of an accident.
If you are involved in a Missouri car accident, your unrestrained pet can become a dangerous projectile. In a 30 m.p.h. collision, a 50 pound dog a pet may be thrown with 1,500 pounds of force. This can cause critical injuries to your pet and to the other occupants of the car.
Stay safe and keep your pet properly restrained while travelling.
The Kansas City car accident lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys represent victims of traffic accidents in Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park and throughout Missouri and Kansas. If you have been injured in a Missouri or Kansas traffic accident, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to learn about your legal options. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation.
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