The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently published a study that claims drivers who bring their pets along -- and fail to properly restrain them -- are more likely to end up in a crash. In the case of seniors (70 and older), the risk is double.
“This is the first study to evaluate the presence of pets in a vehicle as a potential internal distraction for elderly drivers,” said Gerald McGwin, Ph.D., a professor in the Departments of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Surgery and senior author of the study.
However, more than the fact that their pets can move around the interior and even find their way on the gear shifter or under the pedals, drivers are apparently distracted by their mere presence in the car.
While 83% of the participants in the study agreed it was unsafe to allow pets to travel in a vehicle unrestrained, only 16% attempted to use any type of pet safety restraint.
Hawaii is currently the only U.S. state that specifically restricts drivers from having a pet in their lap. Arizona, Connecticut and Maine have broader laws against driving distractions that could be applicable to pets in a vehicle.
Source: The Detroit Bureau
“This is the first study to evaluate the presence of pets in a vehicle as a potential internal distraction for elderly drivers,” said Gerald McGwin, Ph.D., a professor in the Departments of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Surgery and senior author of the study.
However, more than the fact that their pets can move around the interior and even find their way on the gear shifter or under the pedals, drivers are apparently distracted by their mere presence in the car.
While 83% of the participants in the study agreed it was unsafe to allow pets to travel in a vehicle unrestrained, only 16% attempted to use any type of pet safety restraint.
Hawaii is currently the only U.S. state that specifically restricts drivers from having a pet in their lap. Arizona, Connecticut and Maine have broader laws against driving distractions that could be applicable to pets in a vehicle.
Source: The Detroit Bureau