It’s no secret that we love our pets – they’re family. Whether it’s a quick trip to the vet or a weekend getaway, our furry companions often ride along with us. However, did you know that pets can be a major distraction when you’re behind the wheel? More drivers than ever are experiencing accidents and near-misses on Orlando’s roads because of unrestrained animals in their vehicles. As our team is gearing up for our pet adoption event with Polk County Animal Control Services, we want to address this important topic: pets cause car accidents, and you should be aware before you hit the road.
Our number one goal is making our roads safer for you…and your pet too!
How Often Do Pets Cause Car Accidents?
While national data on pet-related crashes is still somewhat limited, the numbers we do currently have are eye-opening. In 2019, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that over 65% of pet owners admitted getting distracted by their pet(s) when driving. Petting, feeding, or letting the animal sit on their lap were just a few of the guilty admissions gathered by the surveyors. The same report concluded that only 16% of people use approved pet restraints in the vehicle. That is a startlingly low percentage for such a simple precaution!
The Journal of Transportation Safety and Security published a study claiming that unrestrained pets are responsible for thousands of distracted driving accidents annually. In some cases, these crashes have directly resulted in serious injuries or death for individuals involved in the accident. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, data and safety regulations are severely lacking surrounding pets and vehicles. Because pet-related accidents are frequently lumped in with “distracted driving accidents” categorically, examples showing that pets cause car accidents are widely underreported.
Why are pets a driving hazard for Orlando motorists?
When you look at your well-behaved pup, you probably don’t think of them as a huge risk to you or your family…but they can be. Even the most well-behaved animal poses a risk when traveling in a moving vehicle. As a dog-friendly city, Orlando is home to many who travel with their pets on a daily basis and see no cause for concern because they don’t understand these risks. How do pets cause car accidents most often?
Pets Are A Distraction
A dog jumping into your lap while navigating an entrance ramp or hearing your pet bark suddenly, causing you to take your eyes off the road, could be deadly. Not only can your pet distract you, but road noises and scenery can distract your pet, causing them to react. If your dog (or cat) is frightened by sudden sounds like sirens or horns, they could panic. If they jump onto you or begin moving around the vehicle, it could cause you to lose control.
Pets Cause Car Accidents by Interfering with Driving
A pet physically interfering with your ability to steer your vehicle is a huge risk to your safety. When allowed to sit on your lap in the driver’s seat, pets can hinder steering or gear-shifting, and large pets can block mirrors or unintentionally hit pedals (causing sudden acceleration or braking).
Pets Are a Projectile
In the event of a crash, an unrestrained pet becomes a deadly projectile, launching through your vehicle and potentially hitting you or a passenger. The weight and size of a pet, even a small dog or cat, can easily be fatal when the forces of a car accident are considered.
It’s easy to see how pets are a major threat to their owners and other motorists on the road. What happens then if you are injured in an accident caused by another driver’s pet?
What Are the Legal Ramifications When Pets Cause Car Accidents?
If a pet causes a car accident and you’re hurt, courts could hold the driver liable, especially if the pet was unrestrained. Distracted driving, whether through texting or paying attention to a pet, means failing to give one’s full attention to the job at hand: driving. This negligence is a punishable offense in many states. Depending on the jurisdiction, at-fault drivers may face:
- Traffic citations for distracted driving
- Civil liability in personal injury lawsuits
- Increased insurance premiums
- Charges for animal cruelty if a pet is harmed due to a lack of restraint
What does this mean for you as the injured party? It means you have a claim against the driver and can take your case to a personal injury attorney after your car accident.
Pet safety matters for everyone on the road, not just the animals.
How Can I Travel Safely with My Pet?
Naturally, you want your best (furry) friend to travel with you to fun places. Additionally, car travel might be necessary for vet visits or grooming appointments. So, how can you safely travel with your pet in the vehicle?
Use Proper Restraints
The safest way for your pet to travel is in a crash-tested crate or a carrier secured in the back seat. Alternatively, use a specially designed pet seat belt or harness to keep them in place.
Keep Pets Out of the Front Seat
Airbags can seriously injure pets during a collision. The front seat is reserved for human passengers only.
As cute as it might seem, letting your dog ride with their head out of the window is incredibly dangerous. Don’t do it!
Never Let Pets Sit on Your Lap
It might be cute, but having your dog or cat on your lap while driving is dangerous. It’s illegal in some states, and for good reason! Pets on laps are a major distraction and can interfere with your control of the vehicle.
Make Regular Pit Stops for Your Pet
Just like people, pets need breaks on long road trips. Stop every couple of hours to let them stretch, hydrate, and take a bathroom break.
Don’t Let Them Stick Their Heads Out the Window
Contrary to the movies, letting your dog ride with their head out the window is incredibly dangerous. Flying debris could injure your pet, and sudden stops could throw them from the vehicle. Keep your pet safely secured, and the windows rolled up.
See? Traveling with your pal doesn’t have to be risky if you prepare ahead and take the proper precautions. Awareness is the first step in prevention when discussing the idea that pets cause car accidents.
Brooks Law Group wants safer roads for people and Pets!
Brooks Law Group is passionate about pets, and we love seeing people bond with an animal that provides unconditional love and affection. That’s why keeping you and your pets safe is a high priority for our team! We also understand the frustration and sadness when others don’t take the necessary steps to protect their pets or others, and you’re left to pay the price. Car accident injuries can cause weeks, months, or even years of pain and suffering. You don’t have to face the legal journey alone. If you’ve been injured in a crash where a pet contributed to the accident, you have legal options. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Brooks Law Group can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation and justice if negligence was involved.
Reach out to our team for a free, no-risk consultation. We listen to your story, provide options, and are prepared to walk beside you each step of the way. There’s no charge to you unless we win your case. Financial concerns should never hinder those who need legal representation. We’re proud to serve our local community and a long list of communities throughout Florida, including the Orlando area. With several convenient offices and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, you will feel supported and cared for from your first phone call until the day your case closes.
As well as advocating for your rights, we’re stepping up to advocate for the rights of some amazing local pets as well. Join us for a community-wide Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, April 26th, at our Winter Haven office. Beginning at 10 AM, we’ll welcome the Polk County Animal Control Services staff and their menagerie of playful, adorable dogs and cats who are waiting for loving homes. We hope to play matchmakers for some amazing animals and owners!
See you there! Whether you’re hitting the road with your pet, seeking legal help after a pet-related car accident, or are ready to bring home a new pet of your own, Look to Brooks!
