- Dogs are Distracting. In a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), it was discovered that 3 in 10 drivers admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving in the car. 63% of dog owners admit to engaging in potentially distracting activities while driving in the car with their dog.
- Dogs Become Projectiles in a Car Crash. The majority (84%) of dogs in cars are unrestrained (meaning they aren't wearing any kind of dog safety belt). Unrestrained dogs can be tossed from a vehicle in the case of a collision, or may even jump out of a moving car on their own accord. An unrestrained dog can also become a projectile in a car crash, potentially injuring the driver or passengers. Think about this: a 10lb dog in a crash at 50 mph exerts approx. 500lbs of force. For an 80lb dog at only 30 mph, you'll encounter about 2400lbs of force.
- Airbags Add Danger for Dogs. Front airbags are as dangerous for canines as they are for young children - a dog can easily be killed in a car crash by an airbag.
- Dogs Can Obstruct Rescue Operations. Dogs can become territorial and protective of owners inside a wrecked vehicle, interfering with emergency personnel and their rescue efforts. In some cases, the dog must be put down so that the first responders can rescue and treat the injured car occupants.
Other interesting statistics from the report show that:
Do you take your dog in the car when driving? Has this study made you reconsider? Let us know in the comments!
- 78 million dogs reside in more than 46 million U.S. households according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
- Nearly 6 in 10 (56%) respondents have driven with their dog in a vehicle at least once a month over the past year, according to the AAA/Kurgo survey.
- 3 in 10 respondents (29%) admit to being distracted by their dog while driving.
- Looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
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