Dangerous Distraction: Driving With Pets

March 4, 2015 | By Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
Dangerous Distraction: Driving With Pets

Although driving while text messaging or talking on the phone is getting a lot of attention, pets can also be a common source of driver distraction. While it’s a common sight to see dogs hanging their heads out of open car windows with their ears flapping in the breeze; it’s risky behavior for the driver and dangerous for the pets, too. In fact, driving with an unrestrained pet in the car is so dangerous some states are considering bans on letting your pet roam free in your moving car. [su_button background="#13182E" color="#ffffff" size="10" wide="yes" center="yes" url="tel:1-800-525-7111" desc="Injured in a car accident? Click to call for a FREE consultation!"]1-800-525-7111[/su_button]

Man’s Best Friend Is Not a Driver’s Best Friend

It’s easy to see how an unrestrained pet could be distracting.
  • An anxious dog or cat may jump around unpredictably, especially if they are frightened.
  • A motorist may divert attention from the road when trying to move or attend to a pet.
  • A pet can impair a driver’s ability to control the clutch, brake, or accelerator.
In a car crash, an unrestrained pet poses a threat to the driver and other passengers. In a tragic situation, pets can quickly turn into a deadly projectile or get crushed by a driver or passenger who is thrown forward by the collision. Pet owners are urged to use a harness or a carrier to secure their pets in the middle of the back seat. This will prevent pets from getting hurt or bouncing around and hurting others. [su_button background="#13182E" color="#ffffff" size="10" wide="yes" center="yes" url="tel:1-800-525-7111" desc="Injured in a car accident? Click to call for a FREE consultation!"]1-800-525-7111[/su_button]

Involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver? Call Us Now!

Motorists injured in distracted driving accidents may wish to contact a personal injury to learn more about the options that are available to them. These drivers may be eligible to recover compensation for the injuries that they have sustained. We offer flexible appointment times and will meet you at home or the hospital in the event you cannot travel to one of our office locations.