Vicki
Administrator
Pet owners are slow to restrain dogs in Cars
A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo, a leading manufacturer of pet travel products, asked dog owners how often they drive with their dog and examined their habits behind the wheel.
Nearly six in 10 (56 percent) of the respondents said they have driven with their dog at least once a month in the past year. However, many participate in behaviors that take their attention away from the road.
The most common distraction is petting the dog (52 percent). Other behaviors the drivers admitted to include:
* Using their hands or arms to hold the dog in place while applying the brakes. (23 percent)
* Using their hands or arms to keep the dog from climbing into the front seat. (19 percent)
* Reaching into the back seat to interact with the dog. (18 percent)
* Allowing the dog to sit in their lap or holding the dog. (17 percent)
* Giving food or treats. (13 percent)
* Taking a photo of the dog while driving (3 percent)
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.
The image of a happy dog hanging out of a car window is hard to top, and it's difficult to convince people that their pets won't mind being tethered or making the ride in a crate.
This summer my canine companion, Chilly, and I continue to hit the road as part of the 2011 Toyota P.E.T. (Pet Expert Team) Safety Initiative to help educate pet owners and also gain insight on they want from their vehicles. We've been visiting dog parks and pet events around the Bay area to show pet parents how easy it is to comfortably restrain pets during auto travel.
People are really receptive to the notion of restraining pets because it's so similar to the concept of restraining children for their safety and to avoid distractions. Pet parents also have been impressed with the pet restraint options available as well as pleasantly surprised to know that most of the gear still gives dogs some freedom of movement and a view out the window.
So what should be said to the 42 percent of people who do not use a pet restraint because their dog is "calm" and they don't think it needs a restraint?
Unfortunately, a calm dog will be thrown with the same amount of force as an active dog in the event of a crash or sudden stop — a danger for all passengers as well as the pet.
"An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in its path," says Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National, Traffic Safety Programs manager.
Law enforcement agencies and animal advocates are pushing seat-belt harnesses, car seats and other restraints for dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association encourages veterinary members to educate clients, family and friends about restraints and to set a good example with their own pets.
A variety of reasonably priced products are available to keep pets safe and help dog owners reduce potential distractions caused by pets while driving. There have been many recent innovations in this market to make these products more comfortable for the dog and convenient to use for the owner. For more information, as well as resources and links to how-to videos about pet safe travel, visit Kurgo Dog Products, The AAA PetBook or fan Kurgo and AAA on Facebook.
By KRISTEN LEVINE
Published: August 26, 2011
Updated: August 26, 2011 - 10:25 AM
Pet owners are slow to restrain dogs | TBO.com
Nearly six in 10 (56 percent) of the respondents said they have driven with their dog at least once a month in the past year. However, many participate in behaviors that take their attention away from the road.
The most common distraction is petting the dog (52 percent). Other behaviors the drivers admitted to include:
* Using their hands or arms to hold the dog in place while applying the brakes. (23 percent)
* Using their hands or arms to keep the dog from climbing into the front seat. (19 percent)
* Reaching into the back seat to interact with the dog. (18 percent)
* Allowing the dog to sit in their lap or holding the dog. (17 percent)
* Giving food or treats. (13 percent)
* Taking a photo of the dog while driving (3 percent)
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.
The image of a happy dog hanging out of a car window is hard to top, and it's difficult to convince people that their pets won't mind being tethered or making the ride in a crate.
This summer my canine companion, Chilly, and I continue to hit the road as part of the 2011 Toyota P.E.T. (Pet Expert Team) Safety Initiative to help educate pet owners and also gain insight on they want from their vehicles. We've been visiting dog parks and pet events around the Bay area to show pet parents how easy it is to comfortably restrain pets during auto travel.
People are really receptive to the notion of restraining pets because it's so similar to the concept of restraining children for their safety and to avoid distractions. Pet parents also have been impressed with the pet restraint options available as well as pleasantly surprised to know that most of the gear still gives dogs some freedom of movement and a view out the window.
So what should be said to the 42 percent of people who do not use a pet restraint because their dog is "calm" and they don't think it needs a restraint?
Unfortunately, a calm dog will be thrown with the same amount of force as an active dog in the event of a crash or sudden stop — a danger for all passengers as well as the pet.
"An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in its path," says Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National, Traffic Safety Programs manager.
Law enforcement agencies and animal advocates are pushing seat-belt harnesses, car seats and other restraints for dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association encourages veterinary members to educate clients, family and friends about restraints and to set a good example with their own pets.
A variety of reasonably priced products are available to keep pets safe and help dog owners reduce potential distractions caused by pets while driving. There have been many recent innovations in this market to make these products more comfortable for the dog and convenient to use for the owner. For more information, as well as resources and links to how-to videos about pet safe travel, visit Kurgo Dog Products, The AAA PetBook or fan Kurgo and AAA on Facebook.
By KRISTEN LEVINE
Published: August 26, 2011
Updated: August 26, 2011 - 10:25 AM
Pet owners are slow to restrain dogs | TBO.com
