Money Matters, Simplified.
Pets in car while driving as distracting and risky as texting--study
by Priyanka - August 20, 2010 - comments
One in five pet owners admitted to have engaged in at least one distracting behavior due to their pet's actions in the moving vehicle, such as letting the pet sit on their lap while still driving.
According to a survey report released Wednesday by American Automobile Association (AAA) in collaboration with Kurgo (dog product maker), having one’s pet as a company in the car while driving is as distracting and risky as texting while driving.
"Millions of Americans recognize that dogs are wonderful companions and bring their favorite furry friend along on road trips, day trips and even day-to-day errands. However, in a vehicle this can mean added distractions for the driver,” said John B. Townsend II, of AAA, in a press statement.
The distraction created by pet comes on number three (behind talking on phone and texting) in the list of things done while driving that have the potential to land one in a horrible car crash.
As per survey report, taking one’s eyes off the road even for a mere 2 seconds has the potential to double one’s risk of being in a car crash.
Survey findings
For the study, AAA surveyed 1,000 pet owners online. Eighty percent pet owners admitted to bringing their pets along for a drive once in a while. However, only 17 percent out of 80 percent admitted to keeping pets restrained while driving.
One in five pet owners admitted to have engaged in at least one distracting behavior due to their pets actions in the moving vehicle, such as letting the pet sit on their lap while still driving.
As per survey report, taking one’s eyes off the road even for a mere 2 seconds has the potential to double one’s risk of being in a car crash.
Seven percent admitted to feeding the pet and five percent even admitted to playing with their pet (to keep them busy) while driving.
"I heard a couple people where their animals have actually, that weren't puppies or kittens, that actually hopped out of the vehicle while they're driving," revealed Pet Plus store owner, Richard Evans.
Restrain pets while driving
AAA National Traffic Safety Programs manager, Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, explained in a press statement how having an unrestrained pet in the car, if the crash happens, can cause serious devastation.
"An unrestrained 4.5 kg dog in a crash at 80.5 km/h will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80 pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure,” revealed Huebner-Davidson.
She added “Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in the vehicle in its path."
In the survey AAA recommended that all pet owners, who love to take their pets for a ride, should use a restraining device for safety purposes.