Restraining a dog in a car therefore provides several safety benefits, both to the dog and the occupants of the car:
• The dog cannot move around within the car and therefore has less potential to distract or disrupt the driver.
• In a collision, the dog may be less likely to become a projectile, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of injury
to the driver or passengers.
• Restraint may prevent the dog from jumping out of a moving car’s window, which reduces the risk of injury to the dog and other road users.
In addition, many dogs are killed or injured each year when travelling on the back of open and moving vehicles unrestrained.
Some of these escaped canines are very distressed and disorientated, often causing an obstacle and source of danger to themselves and other road users.
Vehicle restraints for dogs are widely available and include restraints that either attach to existing seatbelts or have buckles that clip directly into the seat belt. Generally, restraints may be attached to the dog’s collar or harness. When unrestrained, not only may your pet distract you from driving, they may also face the risk of being thrown from a seat or the back of the car upon heavy braking or in the event of an accident.
It is always important to check your dog's safety while travelling. Make sure that they are safely restrained to the car seat belt.