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Distracted driving is caused by more than cell phones, children and other passengers.  Our best four-legged friends, dogs and cats, may also be distractions.  Unrestricted pets are more than a driving hazard; they are dangerous to themselves and others. In fact 30,000 accidents per year are caused by unrestricted pets.  According to AAA, as reported by ABC News, 31% of drivers are distracted by pets in their laps. 

Should there be sudden braking, as that which occurs in  automobile crashes and truck crashes, unrestricted pets may become projectiles injuring themselves and others. ABC News further reports that in a 35 mph crash, a dog weighing 50 pounds can be propelled forward with 1,500 pounds of force.

Unrestricted animals may become fearful in moving vehicles.  This fear may cause them to panic, in which case, they end up bumping into the driver, or even worse, getting lodged under the accelerator of brake pedals as they hide.

Patting animals to comfort them when driving is not recommended.  The time taken with eyes off the road to comfort an animal is just the time when an accident may occur.

Also, airbags can be hazardous to pets.  According to Safercar.gov when there is a moderate to severe crash, front airbags inflate in less than 1/20th of a second.   Side air bags will inflate even more quickly.  These quick-deploying airbags can cause serious or fatal injuries. 

To keep humans and pets safe when travelling together in vehicles, Pets & Animals further recommends:

• Purchasing a safety harness. It should be constructed of strong, soft nylon webbing and retain the animal around the body and neck. There are a variety of harnesses and attachments for both large and small dogs, that fit seat belts. When your pets wear these types of seat belts, they can lie down, sit up, or stand, but are safely restrained. The belts should be fully adjustable and nonirritating. These convenient, safe, easy-to-use harnesses connect to any existing automobile seat belt. Some harnesses have dual purposes, and you can unhook your pet from the car and use the same harness with his leash for quick-change convenience.

• Small dogs should be caged, and the cage should be secured. Place it on the floor or, better yet, belt it to the rear seat. Never allow a little dog to ride on your lap or help you drive by putting its paws on top of the wheel. Yes, it is really cute, but if the airbags deploy, this could lead to a bad situation. A lot of little dogs enjoy riding in the area under the back window. This is also a dangerous spot for them if you should stop suddenly.

•  Never let an animal run free in the bed of a pickup truck. This is the primary cause of death with animals in vehicle accidents. Please cage your pets if they must be in the back of a pickup truck. Then tie the cage to the bed so it doesn't move around in the bed of the truck.

"Some 'best friends' shouldn't be in the front seat of vehicles. To prevent distracted driving accidents, please follow the recommendations above," says Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just1percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.