15th November 2006

Road Safety Is For Pets Too

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Last week was Road Safety Week and we've heard many terrible stories in the media about the dangers caused by and the risks to young drivers in particular.

Young people certainly seem to take more risks than older drivers, and in great Britain in 2004, 151 car drivers aged 16-19 and 291 aged 20-29 were killed. Thousands more were injured.

In addition, new regulations over seatbelts for children that came into force on 18th September state that children under the age of three must always be in a baby or child seat appropriate to their weight; three to 11-year-olds, who are under 135cms tall, must be a in a booster seat and children aged 12 or over 135cms tall, must be strapped in with an adult seatbelt; and rear facing baby seats must not be used in front seats unless the airbag has been deactivated.

With all this focus on our children and young people, it's time to focus on our pets and the dangers they face on the roads. But it's not just the obvious risk of being run over, that many of us focus on, so carefully and take steps to prevent by using leads near roads and instilling fear of traffic in young puppies and kittens. Pets are at terrible risk of injury or even death if they are not properly secured in a car.

The Royal Society For the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says that in a crash, an unrestrained pet travelling as a passenger could be seriously injured, or injure people in the car. At 30 mph, for example, a 50lb (22.5 kg) border collie would be thrown forward with a force equivalent to almost nine 12-stone men.

Unrestrained pets can also distract the driver, and cause an accident. Even pets that are normally well behaved could be frightened by something unusual and dive for the driver's feet or lap.

Even if the pet survived a crash, an unrestrained pet could then escape and be hit by another vehicle or cause another collision – traffic police have reported cases of dogs and cats surviving crashes, only to bolt when the car is opened by emergency services, and run straight into traffic on the motorway.

A frightened dog may also attack strangers who are trying to help it or its owner to escape if trapped in a vehicle after an accident.

Therefore, it is safest to ensure that your pet is secured in a seatbelt harness, a pet carrier, a dog cage, behind a dog guard or (in an emergency only) in a suitable well-ventilated zip-up bag. The most suitable restraint will depend on the needs of your pet.

Let's take a look at the various options:

A Safety Harness
For medium or large sized dogs a safety harness that attaches to the seatbelt is best. It should go round your dog’s chest, back and shoulders and be attached to the car seat belt, which should be fastened. The dog should travel in the back seat, to give it space to lie or sit comfortably, to avoid it being crushed by a passenger airbag and to avoid distracting the driver.

Before buying a harness:
Make sure it is designed to be used in a car. Check that it is suitable for your dog’s size and weight and ensure it fits properly, with wide straps to distribute the forces safely across your dog’s body, particularly the chest and shoulders.

Try to make sure your dog cannot get entangled in the harness as this will be uncomfortable and could distract the driver.

Pet Carriers
For smaller dogs, cats and other pets, a pet carrier is a good option. It needs to be the correct size and should be held firmly in place with the seat belt or by wedging it firmly in the footwell. Never put a carrier in the boot of a saloon car as your pet could suffocate, and avoid putting it unsecured in the boot of a hatchback or estate car, as the carrier will be thrown around in a crash, which could seriously injure the pet and any passengers in the vehicle too.

Some owners put self-scented material at the bottom of the carrier to help keep their pet calm. An old jumper is a good example of this as the pet can smell you and will also be cushioned by the wool.

Travel Cage or Crate
A travel cage is suitable for dogs and larger animals. Make sure it is the correct size for your pet. Leave plenty of space around the crate to allow for ventilation, and ensure it is secured with the seat belt. In a hatchback or estate (not saloon) car, a cage can be attached to anchorage points in the boot.

Dog guard
A dog guard will keep your pet away from the driver but it will not protect the animal in a crash. For some vehicles, accessory kits are available to help build a dog cage.

Zip-up Bag
In an emergency (taking an injured animal to the vet, for example) a zip-up shopping or sports bag can be used, as long as it is big enough to hold your pet comfortably and it allows your pet to get enough air. Ensure that you strap it securely with the seatbelt.

Transport in Open Vehicles
Transporting dogs in open vehicles is dangerous. The dog is exposed to the weather, to grit and debris being blown into its eyes, nose, or throat, and to the risk of jumping or falling from the vehicle. If there is no alternative, put the dog in a cage that will protect it from the elements, and prevent it jumping or being thrown from the vehicle. Fasten the cage securely to the vehicle or secure it with a seat belt.

Getting your pet safely in and out of your vehicle
Most pets, apart from dogs, should be put in a carrier before you put them in the vehicle. Keep your dog on a lead while it is getting in or out of the car, and ensure that it uses the door on the pavement side. Do not let it jump through the window.

After a Crash
Do not let your pet out of its carrier or cage until it has calmed down and is in a safe environment. In a serious accident, call out a vet.

Other Tips

• Don't let your pet stick its head out of the window because dirt and insects can get into its eyes and nose.
• If your vehicle has airbags, make sure that your pet will not be struck by the airbag if it goes off.
• Check that your pet is covered by insurance if it is hurt in a car accident.
• Consider travel training for your pet.