Whether you are headed out to see family this July Fourth weekend or are taking advantage of the long weekend to go on a road trip, keep in mind that if you are traveling with your pet, you will need to take extra precautions. Many people who head out on road trips or to vacation homes at this time of year bring their pets along. Unfortunately, pets in the car can mean a greater risk of car collisions in Homestead or your community.
We all know that distracted driving in Homestead and other cities is a leading cause of broadside collisions, head-on crashes and many other types of accidents. Unfortunately, most of us think of distracted driving as something that involves mobile devices. In reality, anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road can be a distraction – and pets can certainly fit the bill.
Unrestrained pets in a car can be a big danger. In the event of a crash, a pet can become a projectile and can cause injury. An unrestrained cat or dog is also more likely to sustain life-threatening injury if you are in a crash. Despite these concerns, a survey conducted by Kurgo and the AAA in 2011 found that 84% of survey responders stated that they travel with unrestrained dogs in the car.
If you are traveling by car this summer and want to keep both you and your pet safe, be sure to:
1) Put your pet in a carrier. Choose a sturdy carrier that is appropriate for your pet’s size and weight.
2) Place carriers safely. Placing a pet carrier in the front seat is dangerous because if you are in a car or truck collision in Homestead or your community, your pet may be injured by airbags. Place pet carriers in the back seat. If the carrier is small enough, the safest spot may be between the rear and front seats, on the floor. Only use seatbelts with the carrier if you have a carrier meant to be secured with a seatbelt.
3) Take your pet with you when you leave the car. A hot car can easily prove fatal to a small dog or cat in just minutes. Cracking the window is not enough; take your pet with you.
4) Carry what you need for your pet. Make sure that your pet has collars and vaccinations. Have water, treats, and blankets available for your cat or dog and have a first-aid kit on hand as well as the number of your local veterinarian. If you are traveling with a cat, bring a litter box that is meant for use in the car or the carrier.
5) If your pet does not travel well, visit a vet before you travel. Even if your dog or cat is restrained, they can be a big distraction if they are in obvious distress. Severe stress can also be dangerous for pets. If you know your pet does not travel well, your vet can recommend medication or other solutions for a safer car ride.
If you have suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision, you can contact Flaxman Law Group at any time to schedule a free case review.