Phoenix, Ariz., Aug. 18, 2010. Dog may be man’s best friend, but Fido may not always be the safest driving companion. In a recent survey, AAA and Kurgo, a company that develops pet travel products, asked dog owners how often they brought their four-legged friends along for a ride, and subsequently, how owners behaved behind the wheel. The findings were nothing to wag a tail at.
Eighty percent of dog owners have brought their pooch on car trips, and of those, nearly two-thirds of drivers admitted to engaging in distracting activities with their pet. However, less than a third realize they have been distracted by canine passengers.
“Distracted driving is a problem for everyone on the road, and passengers are often a contributing dynamic,” said Linda Gorman, communications and public affairs director for AAA Arizona. “Many people do not think of their pets as passengers, but they must be treated as such because they can create just as much, if not more, distraction as a friend in the passenger seat or a child in the back seat.”
According to the study, 31 percent of respondents admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving. However, 59 percent admitted to participating in at least one of the following doggie distractions behind the wheel:
- 55 percent pet their dog.
- 21 percent allowed their dog to sit in their lap.
- Seven percent gave their dog food and water.
- Five percent played with their dog.
The survey also revealed that only 17 percent of those drivers who brought their dogs on car rides use some form of pet restraint in their vehicles.
“An unrestrained 10-pound dog will exert about 500 pounds of force in a collision at 50 mph, and in a collision at only 30 mph, an 80-pound dog will exert roughly 2,400 pounds of force,” said Gorman. “Dogs, just like any other passenger, must be properly restrained not only for the safety of the animal, but also to protect the driver and other passengers.”
AAA encourages dog owners to take the following precautions when they bring their furry family members along for the ride:
- Save petting and playtime for before or after the drive. Wait until you’ve arrived at your destination to give your dog any unnecessary attention. If he needs your immediate attention, safely pull off the road before tending to him.
- Determine the best place for your dog to “Sit!” and “Stay!” The front airbag system in your vehicle can be deadly to a small child, and the same is true for dogs, even if they are restrained. Consider sitting your dog in the back seat or cargo area of your car where he can avoid crash hazards and you can focus on driving.
- Buckle your pup up! Use a pet restraint system to keep your dog safe and secure in case of a collision, and also to keep him from roaming the car and distracting you from driving. Pet restraint products, like those from Kurgo, are available at local pet stores.
Travelers who want to bring the family pet on vacation can find valuable information to make the trip safe and easy in Travelling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook®. AAA members can also save on pet products and services at local and online retailers, including Travel Hounds USA, Hug N Pups, United Pet Care, Villa La Paws, Fetch! Pet Care, and Target.com.
The AAA/Kurgo online study was conducted among a sample of 1,000 dog owners who have driven with their dog in the past 12 months.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to more than 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.
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