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Three Things To Avoid When Driving With Your Pets In The Car

There is nothing cuter than a dog wagging its tongue with it’s head out the window on a warm spring day, but that certainly isn’t something safe for the dog to be doing.  If you were to get into a Connecticut auto accident while your dog was doing this he/she would get seriously injured or killed.  This is not safe for your dog.

As the weather warms it can be tempting to take your dog with you on a drive.  Dogs love the warm air on their face and us humans like companionship, but driving with your pets can be dangerous if precautions are not taken.   Bringing your pet with you in the car can be tempting but it is not safe for you or the pet when driving without the following precautions;

  1. Keep your pet in the backseat.  While driving with your pet in the front seat you will be more tempted to take your eyes off the road or be distracted by something your pet is doing.  In the backseat, out of your direct line of sight, your pet will be safer and you will be able to keep your eyes on the road more easily.

  2. Never drive with your pet in your lap.  This is something that we see too often, a driver that thinks it is ok to drive with your pet in your lap.  Our pets are great companions, but their behaviors can also be erratic.  If you’re driving through a neighborhood and your dog sees another dog out for a walk, he/she might get excited or agitated leading you to take your attention off the road and focus on your pet.  This is a dangerous thing to do.

  3. Keep your pet restrained.  Utilizing a pet carrier or cage for your animal when driving is the best way to keep both you and your pet safe.  You will have the peace of mind that your pet is safe and away from any dangerous activities and you will be comfortable knowing that you can focus on the road without worrying about what your pet is doing.

There are already quite a few distractions and dangers on the roads that could lead to a Connecticut auto accident, there is no need to add a new wrinkle to your driving experience.  If you can, leave your pet at home.  If you must bring your pet with you in the car, make sure to follow the precautions above and always maintain focus on the road.

If you or a loved one were in an accident and were injured, contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case.