Should we be concerned about pet distractions resulting in car accidents and injuries here in Louisville?  We often discuss the risks of distracted driving, but this usually relates to the use of a cell phone or other activities such as eating or applying makeup.  We are all seeing more dogs in the stores we visit and many institutions are starting to tighten their rules regarding pet traffic into stores into every type of facility from a medical care office, to grocery stores and large hardware retailers.

The higher incidence of pets visiting stores and sharing other activities with their human companions hints to an increase in pets accompanying us while we drive.  Should we give consideration to pet distractions resulting in car accidents and injuries?

A recent study of dog owners found more than half reported their attention to driving was distracted in the previous year to simply pet their animal.  Almost a third of the survey’s respondents admitted they had taken their hands off the wheel to keep their dog from getting into the front seat and 17% reported they allowed their pet to sit in their lap while they were driving.  Many acknowledged they had taken a picture of their pet while driving and posted to social media.  The study found solid evidence of pet distractions resulting in car accidents and injuries.

The presence of an unrestrained animal is not only a risk to yourself and the other drivers with whom you share the road, it is a risk to your pet as well.  A motor vehicle accident in Louisville generates substantial forces which can throw the animal resulting in injury or the loss of a pet’s life.  The animal may even injure another passenger or the driver of the vehicle.  This is true any time you are forced to swerve, even if you actually avoid a motor vehicle collision.

Those who have transported unrestrained pets know the interference and distractions which can result.  The American Veterinary Medical Association recently recommended the use of a harnerss or carrier to restrain your pet while riding in a car or other vehicle.  Restraining your pet reduces the risk of your beloved furry friend being injured or losing their life in an accident while limiting pet distractions resulting in car accidents and injuries.