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Lawmakers in Florida and throughout the rest of the country have been trying to combat distracted driving for many years. The Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys at the Spivey Law Firm know that automobile accidents occur on a daily basis for reasons ranging from driver inattention to driver intoxication. Randall Spivey and his team want everyone who travels in automobiles to be as safe as possible.  That said, it is important for individuals to be mindful of vehicle safety for themselves and their furry friends that may travel with them in the vehicle.

What You Need to Know About Traveling With a Pet

It is not uncommon for individuals who have pets to bring them along as traveling companions for both long and short trips. However, did you know traveling with your pet in a vehicle could actually be dangerous in some instances? For example, when we think of distracted driving, we often think of things such as texting while driving, eating while driving or performing any other tasks that take one’s eyes off the road, even for a second.

However, many people do not realize that traveling with an unrestrained pet in a motor vehicle can be just as distracting, if not more, than any of those above-mentioned acts.  Even more devastating is the fact that an unrestrained pet can be severely injured or killed if an accident occurs.

A 2011 survey sponsored by pet travel gear company Kurgo and AAA revealed 23 percent of drivers who traveled with pets admitted to using their arms to restrain a pet while applying brakes. Further, 19 percent of those surveyed acknowledged taking their hands off the wheel to keep the pet from climbing into the front seat, and another 17 percent noted that they actually drove with the pet in their laps. So, why is this a problem?

Unrestrained Pets Can Be Projectiles in an Accident

Picture this: If you are operating a motor vehicle at only 30 miles per hour and you are involved in an accident while driving at that speed, a 10 -pound dog that is unrestrained in the vehicle can exert approximately 300 pounds of pressure during that accident. Simply put, your small puppy runs the risk of not only being hurt in an accident, but also hurting others if left unrestrained.

Know the Laws in Your Jurisdiction

Local rules vary throughout Florida; however, your personal injury lawyer will tell you that the state has animal cruelty laws that clearly state an individual may be charged with animal cruelty “for transporting an animal in a vehicle in an inhumane manner.” That means that if you unsafely transport an animal in a vehicle, you could be subject to an animal cruelty charge.

First Responders May Get Hurt By the Pet

In the event of a crash, pets who are hurt or scared may pose a threat to those attempting to assist injured individuals in the vehicle. Many pets are protective of their owners, so they may naturally try to keep first responders away from them by biting them or otherwise hindering their ability to assist those in need.

Anyone who would like more information about the laws governing the transportation of pets in automobiles, or if you have been involved in an accident, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.