According to a dog owner survey conducted by a leading insurance company, canines aren’t always the safest driving companions.
Recently commissioned by Selective Insurance, the survey found that over the past year, 91% of drivers had interacted with their dogs while driving. Of this group, almost half (48%) said they’re more distracted while driving when their pet is in the car.
Dog owner survey finds unrestrained dogs can be a driving hazard
For dog owners, this should raise an alarm. Any distraction endangers drivers and dogs, as well as everybody in their immediate surroundings. Many of these harmless interactions involved taking their eyes off the road and their hands off the steering wheel. Unfortunately, even just one distracted moment can lead to an accident.
Scott Smith, vice president and director of safety management for Selective Insurance, understands that people might not realize how distracting their dogs are. “We love our dogs,” Smith said. “However, some of their behaviors in the car, such as sitting on drivers’ laps, jumping between seats, or sticking their heads out the window, divert drivers’ attention from operating a vehicle.”
The risky behaviors drivers admitted to were varied. For 36 percent, this involved feeding their dog or giving them water while driving. And 27 percent of respondents said they took pictures of their pets while driving. Incredibly, 17 percent drove with their pets in their lap.
Even more alarming is that 40 percent of drivers admitted to reckless driving with their unrestrained pet in the car. Of that 40 percent, 16 percent said their pet distracted them from their surroundings. Another 13 percent reported hard braking because they were distracted. Unfortunately, 11 percent said they swerved out of the traffic lane, and 9 percent got in an accident.
Driving safely keeps owners and dogs safe and happy
Smith advised that “to help keep our roads safe, drivers need to minimize distractions. That means our beloved pet passengers should be restrained in the car’s backseat.” He added that if dogs need tending, “drivers should first pull over to a safe place.”
As warm weather approaches and you plan your summer trips, it’s important to keep your dogs—and yourself—safe on the road. And don’t forget to keep the windows down for your dog, too. Finally, it’s not a bad idea to think of your dog when making a playlist; certain genres can help relieve their stress and anxiety.
