Keep Your Pet Safe From A New Haven Auto Accident On Your Road Trip

AAA reports that nearly 80% of Americans are considering a road trip this fall as a getaway.  While many will hit the road, so too will their furry friends and it is important to keep pets safe as well.  While safety precautions such as seatbelts and properly inflated tires will help keep the whole car safe from New Haven auto accidents, there are some additional measures you can take to keep your pet safe as well.

One of the key things you can do to keep you and your pet safe is to not engage in distracted driving.  In this case, we’re not talking about your cell phone, but rather in those drivers that become distracted due to their pets riding along.  For instance, in a recent study AAA found that nearly 52 percent of respondents who had their dog along for a ride reporting petting their dog while driving.  This simple act can cause the driver to get distracted and get into an accident.  The study also found the following statistics:

• 23% use their hand/arm to protect their pet when applying the brakes
• 19% use their hand/arm to prevent their pet from climbing in the front seat
• 17% drive with their pet in their lap
• 13% have given treats to their pet while driving
• 3% report taking a picture of their pet while driving

These distracted behaviors can cause serious injury or death if the driver were to be distracted for long enough to cause a New Haven auto accident.  Just like cell phone use or eating while driving, driving with your pet in the car can be a serious distraction and can cause significant harm to you or those on the road with you.

The safest bet is to not travel with your pet, but if you must, restraining your pet is the safest thing to do.  Whether that means a harness or a cage, pets are unpredictable and the only way to avoid that unpredictability is to keep them restrained.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case.