New Survey Examines Habits of People Driving With Canine Companions and Possible Distractions
Call it the “Doggie Distraction.” That’s the type of distracted driving that thirty-one percent of dog owners admitted to in a landmark distracted driving survey. The eye-opening survey conducted recently by AAA and Kurgo offers new understanding and insights into the distracted driving behavior of dog owners. For example, nearly one out of three of the participants surveyed confessed to being distracted by their dog while driving. Plus, 59 percent of the respondents admitted they have participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog.
In a nation that boasts an estimated 50 to 68 million dog owners, the survey found that many drivers not only love to bring the family dog along, but most of them also owned up to engaging often in risky behaviors when man’s best friend is along for the ride. In the unprecedented survey, dog owners were asked how often they drive with their dog and about their habits behind the wheel.
“Here’s the upshot: Dog owners are distracted by their dogs while driving, researchers who conducted the survey found,” said John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs. “The trouble is, many don’t realize it. That’s not only shocking, it’s also dangerous.”
The Doggie Distraction Survey also found:
More than half (55 percent) have pet their dog while driving.
One in five allowed their dog to sit in their lap (21 percent).
Seven percent confess to engaging in other distracting behaviors, such as giving food and water to their dog.
Five percent admit to playing with their dogs while driving.
These behaviors can distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash, Townsend noted. 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. “That’s also true when you are distracted by your dog,” Townsend observed.
When it comes to distracted driving, it seems they are going to the dogs behind the wheel, the AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman said. “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,” said Townsend. “However, in a vehicle this can mean added distractions for the driver.”
What’s more, 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 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 Townsend. “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, Townsend noted. Recent innovations have made these products more comfortable for the dog and convenient to use for the owner. Padded harnesses with sturdy connectors and straps are available to connect to a vehicle’s seatbelt or LATCH system.
“Both hard- and soft-sided crates can be used in vehicles, but should always be strapped down. Pet car seats or basket-style holders can be used with smaller dogs. A wide variety of barrier systems are available to fit various makes and models of vehicles. These can be helpful in reducing doggie distractions, but do not offer protection during a crash.”
“For safety sake, 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,” Townsend noted. “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.”
The AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman recommends owners utilize a restraint system anytime they are driving with their pet—even close to home. “Just as we put on our seatbelt before we hit the road, we need to do the same for our canine companions.”
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.
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.