We
have all heard of the program called "Click It or Ticket". Law
enforcement agencies have been cracking down on automobile drivers
and passengers who do not wear seat belts. The same is true
for pets riding in a car in over 50% of the states. Did you
know that you can be fined for not having your pet in some type
of restraint system while riding in the family car? But fear
of a ticket is only one of the reasons that you need a pet safety
harness for your furry family member.
Prevent
Driver Distraction: The primary reason is the safety of
your pet in case of an accident or even a sudden stop. In
an auto accident, a pet in a car traveling 30 mph will hit
an object ten inches in front of them such as the windshield
at 1,200 pounds per square inch. If you have ever slammed
on your brakes and had your dog come flying forward, you understand
how easily your pet can be injured or even killed. According
to the National Highway Traffic Administration, driver distraction
contributes to 20 to 30 percent of all motor vehicle crashes,
about 1.2 million per year. In a recent AAA study, pets and
loose objects were rated as being the 3rd worst driver distraction
(1st being radio, 2nd being children). With driver distraction
being one of the leading causes of accidents, it is crucial
to keep your dog retrained while driving a vehicle. Canine
seat belts can save lives.
Protect
Passengers from Injury: In an accident, a dog can be thrown
with hundreds or even thousands of pounds of force into other
occupants of the vehicle, easily causing life-threatening
injuries. A good pet safety harness system will help minimize
this danger.
Reduce
Injuries to Pets: A pet safety harness makes it easier
for rescue workers and EMT's to help in the event of an accident.
A dog that has been in an accident is likely to be shocked,
confused, injured and protective. He does not understand what
has happened and may attack people or rescue workers indiscriminately.
Convenience:
A pet safety harness eliminates the worry of your pet escaping
every time a window or door is opened! This also means you
may be able to leave some windows open for ventilation. And,
a pet safety harness can prevent runaways. Even well behaved
dogs can have their moments of "distraction". Far from home
or on vacation is the worst place to lose your dog. Dogs can
also get injured or killed jumping from even a slow moving
vehicle.
It
only takes a few minutes to insure your pet's safety by buckling
them in a harness. Accidents do happen, and you owe it to
your pet to protect them against possible injury. Your family
will thank you, and so will your pet.
