Many people take their dogs on road trips. Some of these trips are down to the dog park or vet. Other trips may be longer, such as when people see their relatives or perhaps they enjoy hiking with their furry friend.
While you can train your pet to sit still in the car, dogs don’t understand traffic laws and why it’s important to stay still when the car is in motion. If a pet starts moving around the car, they may lead to a distracted driving accident. Here’s what you can do to prevent your pet from causing a car collision:
Seat belts
While cars are made with seat belts and your dog may be comfortable sitting behind one, seat belts aren’t made with pets in mind. As such, seat belts were manufactured to reduce injuries for people, not to restrain animals. However, you can get a harness for your pet that straps into a seatbelt, restricting your dog’s movements.
Dog crates
If your dog gets excited easily or frequently seeks your attention, then a seat belt may not be right for you. If your dog is small to medium-sized, then you can get your dog a crate. Some crates can fit comfortably on a seat, but larger crates may need to be placed in the back and restrained so there’s no sliding.
Seat dividers
A cage might not work for owners with large dogs since some dogs grow larger than the average-sized crate. If this is the case for you, then you may need to get a car net or divider. A car net can be secured behind seats and used to prevent pets from accessing the driver seat.
While your pet may be safe and secured behind a harness or crate, protecting you from getting distracted, that doesn’t mean other drivers have taken the necessary precautions. If you’re in an accident, then you should understand your legal rights when seeking compensation for your injuries.