New survey examines habits of people driving with canine companions and possible distractions
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. However, in a vehicle this can mean added distractions for the driver. A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo asked dog owners how often they drive with their dog and about their habits behind the wheel. The survey found that drivers not only love to bring Fido along, but they also often engage in risky behaviors when man's best friend is along for the ride.
Drivers distracted by dogs, many don't realize it
Thirty-one percent of respondents admit to being distracted by their dog while driving, however 59 percent have participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog. More than half (55 percent) have pet their dog while driving, and one in five allowed their dog to sit in their lap (21 percent). Other distracting behaviors drivers admitted to include giving food and water to their dog (seven percent) and playing with their dog (five percent). These behaviors can distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.
Unrestrained dogs dangerous to driver, passenger and man's best friend
An overwhelming 80 percent of respondents stated that they have driven with their pets on a variety of car trips including day trips, local errands and leisure trips, the pet store, dog parks and to work. However only 17 percent use any form of pet restraint system when driving with their dog. Use of a pet restraint system, such as those available from Kurgo, can aid in limiting distractions and help protect your pet.
"Restraining your pet when driving can not only help protect your pet, but you and other passengers in your vehicle as well," cautioned Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National, Traffic Safety Programs manager. "An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in the vehicle in its path."
There are a variety of reasonably priced products available to help dog owners reduce distractions their pets might cause while driving while keeping them safe. There have been many recent innovations in this market from Kurgo and others to make these products more comfortable for the dog and convenient to use for the owner. AAA recommends owners utilize a restraint system anytime they are driving with their pet — even close to home.
Pet restraint products, such as those from Kurgo, are available at local pet stores nationwide. To find a dealer near you, visit Kurgo.com.
Pet owners who want to take their pet on a longer trip can find all of the information they need to make their vacation easier and safer in Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook® including pet-friendly AAA Approved property listings and advice on transporting pets. The book also features information on how to enter the annual AAA PetBook Photo Contest sponsored by Best Western. Entry deadline is Nov. 30 and winning pets will appear on a cover of the next edition. To enter, visit AAA.com/petbook.
AAA members can save on services for their pet by taking advantage of the Show Your Card & Save® program. Members save 10 percent on pet supplies at Target.com and 10 percent on pet sitting and dog walking services at home or on the road with Fetch! Pet Care. Prescriptions for family pets that can be filled at a traditional pharmacy may also be eligible for a AAA discount. For more information and to obtain a free Prescription Savings Card visit AAA.com/prescriptions or call 1-866-AAA-SAVE (1-866-222-7283). Visit AAA.com/discounts for more information and a complete list of retailers and offers.
Survey Methodology
The online study was conducted among a sample of 1,000 dog owners who have driven with their dog in past 12 months. The study results have an average statistical error of +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 confidence level.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.
Kurgo® (Motivation Design LLC) creates innovative, stylish and high-quality pet travel products that allow families and pets to travel comfortably to their destination together. The Kurgo® product line currently includes convenient products for traveling with your dog such as the Backseat Barrier, Skybox Booster Seat, Wander Bowl, Wander Hammock, Tru-Fit Smart Harness, and the Auto Zip Line, named as a Consumers Digest Best Buy. You can see more about this ever-evolving line of products at www.kurgo.com.
Doggie Distraction Facts
- 39 percent of U.S. households (45.6 million) have a dog, according to American Pet Products Association.
- 1 out of 3 dog owners admit to being distracted by their dog while driving, however twice as many (2 out of 3) admit to engaging in distracting activities with their dog while driving, according to the AAA/Kurgo survey.
- Looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than half a million were injured. However, many traffic safety experts believe the actual number to be substantially higher.
- Activities dog owners admitted to doing while driving included:
- Petting their dog (55 percent)
- Dog sitting in their lap (21 percent)
- Giving food and water to their dog (7 percent)
- Playing with their dog (5 percent)
- Only 17 percent of dog owners who have driven with their pet use some form of pet restraint while their dog is in their vehicle, according to the survey by AAA and Kurgo.
- An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of force, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2400 pounds of force.
- Of the 17 percent of drivers who use a pet restraint, the AAA/Kurgo survey found the most frequently used are:
- Pet harness/safety belt (52 percent)
- Hard-sided pet travel crate (28 percent)
- Pet vehicle seat (18 percent)
- Soft-sided pet travel crate (13 percent)
- Vehicle pet barrier (9 percent)
- The AAA and Kurgo survey found the types of trips dog owners most frequently take with their dog include:
- Leisure ride (88 percent)
- Local errands (85 percent)
- Trips to the local pet store (81 percent)
- Day trips (80 percent)
- Of the 17 percent of drivers who use a pet restraint system, the AAA/Kurgo survey found they are most likely to use it while driving on a day trip with their dog (90 percent always or frequently use a restraint system), however they are least likely to restrain their dog when driving to the dog park (one out of 10 rarely or never use a restraint system).
- When traveling in a vehicle, the AAA/Kurgo survey found the locations most dog owners place their pet include:
- Back seat (54 percent)
- Front seat (26 percent)
- Rear cargo area (17 percent)
- Pick-up truck bed (2 percent)
- 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.
Ok, OK I'm guilty of driving with my dog on my lap while my other dog sits in the other seat. There is no way they will sit in the back because they love their owner so much and like to see where we are going.
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