Dog-gone dog distractions when you're driving

Prince William County, Va. - The American Automobile Association's latest report shows nearly 60 percent of pet owners admit they've been distracted while driving with their dogs, and one in five has allowed his dog to sit on his lap while behind the wheel.

The online study has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent. It included a sample of 1,000 dog owners who said they drove with their pet in the past 12 months.

"More than half have pet their dog while driving, one in five allowed their dog to sit in their lap, 7 percent confess to engaging in other distracting behaviors, such as giving food and water to their dog, and 5 percent admit to playing with their dogs while driving," AAA reported.

The problem: The risk of crash increases with distracted driving behaviors, said John Townsend, AAA Mid-Atlantic's manager of public and government affairs.

"Millions of Americans recognize that dogs are wonderful companions and bring their favorite furry friend along on road trips, day trips and even day-to-day errands," Townsend said. "However, in a vehicle, this can mean added distractions for the driver."

Averting eyes from the road for as little as two seconds, AAA reported, actually doubles the risk for a car accident. One way to combat pet distractions is to use a restraint system that serves a double purpose: to keep your animal safe.

"Restraining your pet when driving can not only help protect your pet, but you and other passengers in your vehicle as well," Townsend said. "An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 miles-per-hour will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles-per-hour will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure.

"Imagine," Townsend continued, "the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in the vehicle in its path."

Restraint systems include hard- and soft-side crates, as well as harnesses that can connect to a vehicle's seatbelt system. And never, ever allow a dog to ride behind the wheel while the vehicle is in motion, AAA said.

"For safety sake," Townsend said, "we don't let babies and toddlers sit in our lap or in the front seat, so we should provide the same safety protection to our pets, which many owners regard as an extension of their family. Similar to a young child, the front airbag system in a vehicle can be deadly to a dog during a crash if sitting in the front seat, even if restrained."

Staff writer Cheryl Chumley can be reached at 703-530-3903.