Many people elect to take their pets with them for a trip in a vehicle on a regular basis, and if you fall into this category, it’s imperative that you do what you can to ensure the safety of your animal and in turn yourself. With recent research out of the University of Alabama-Birmingham revealing that persons over 70 traveling with pets are more likely to be involved in a crash than those who do not travel with pets, a new report has been issued offering advice to drivers.
Drives would be wise to invest in some type of pet restraint system. Conduct careful research into the types of devices that are out there and purchase one that has a track record of safety.
Far too many people elect to let their animal roam while in the vehicle, but this isn’t wise. A pet can be a severe distraction, causing the driver to take their eyes and mind away from the road. And if the pet is in the front seat and a crash does take place, the animal will be endangered by the sudden forward force followed by the deployment of airbags.
Instead, make sure your pets is separated from the front seat. Again, purchase a restraint system that will keep the pet in place and offer some protection in the event of a collision. If for some reason you do have to turn around and check on the pet, pull over safely and do so when you can devote your full attention to the animal.