Most people who have dogs love taking their pets with them wherever they can. Even if it is just for a short trip to run a drive-thru errand, many Florida residents will load up the dog in the car to go along for the ride. Of course, with the many outdoor activities around Fort Walton, dogs are often in vehicles for longer periods of time as drivers travel toward their destinations.
You may be someone who loves taking your pooch with you whenever you can. However, it is important to remember that dogs need proper restraints while riding in a vehicle for their own safety, your safety and the safety of those around you. You should also keep in mind that dogs in cars can add significant distractions to drivers, which could pose problems on the roadway.
How can dogs be distracting?
Though you love your dog, giving your pet your attention while driving is not the best idea. Taking your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off the task of driving even momentarily can increase the chances of a car accident. Still, many people allow their dogs to ride in their laps, or they will play with their dog, pet their dog, and give food or treats to their pet all while also trying to drive.
While these tasks may not seem dangerous, they do split your attention between driving and your pet. As a result, you may not have the ability to react as quickly as you need to avoid a hazard, or your distraction with your pet could cause you to become a hazard.
How can you lower pet distraction?
Fortunately, you can limit the amount of distraction caused by your dog (and better protect your beloved pet) by ensuring that you use the proper restraint to keep your pet in the desired location of the vehicle. The backseat is often the best place for a dog because front airbags could cause severe harm to a pet in the event of a crash. Additionally, restraining your pet in the back seat limits the chances of your dog impeding your vision or ability to handle the vehicle.
Though you may find it important to limit the number of distractions caused by your pet, another driver may not take the same precautions. As a result, a person distracted by a dog in his or her vehicle could easily cause a crash that leaves you injured. If this happens, you may want to consider filing a personal injury claim in efforts to seek compensation.
