Are dog-related distracted driving laws needed?
Americans are divided evenly on the necessity of requiring dog restraints in cars, according to Erie Insurance.
When it comes to distracted driving, the image often conjured is that of a motorist deeply engaged in text message conversation. However, unrestrained dogs can also be quite distracting.
A survey from Erie Insurance found that 92% of dog owners with driver’s licenses travel with their pet in the car, and half said their dog could cause an accident while they are driving.
In 2019, Volvo studied this topic by monitoring 15 drivers with restrained and unrestrained dogs for 30 driving hours. The automaker found that drivers with unrestrained dogs spent an average of 3 hour and 39 minutes distracted during the 30 hours. Those with restrained dogs were distracted for an average of 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Although there is no question that animals can distract drivers if left to roam free in a moving car, does that mean we need laws requiring dogs to be restrained? So far only Rhode Island, Hawaii and New Jersey mandate restraints and drivers with dogs are split 50/50 as to whether those types of laws are necessary.
Erie Insurance also found that where the dog is located in the car can also play a role in how distracting they are. Most (69%) put their dogs in the backseat while driving. However, 41% of the drivers with dogs said their pets ride up front sometimes, and 13% admitted to driving with a dog on their lap.
Most drivers who travel with their dogs also feel the need to keep their pets entertained on long trips. Letting the pooch hang its head out the window was the most common “pastime” pet owners permitted. An additional 9% said they play videos on mobile devices to keep their dogs entertained. Men are more like than women to turn on a video for their furry friends.
To limit distraction caused by a dog, animal trainer Paul Owens recommends the following”
- Walk your dog before a trip to burn off “car excitement.”
- Gradually introduce harnesses for confidence building.
- Reward your dog after each successful outing or action.
- Try commercial products that can help reduce anxiety, such as calming wraps.
- Consider hiring a professional dog trainer for better results.
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