The Barnes Firm

Safely Driving With Pets

• September 20, 2015
• Sandy

SAN DIEGO – Pets now play a central role in the lives of millions of Americans. It’s estimated that nearly 60 percent of American pet owners travel with their beloved furry friends and one-fifth admit to traveling with a pet on their lap.

To assess an animal’s security in a moving vehicle, the Center for Pet Safety is teaming up with automaker, Subaru to raise awareness of vital safety measures pet owners should take while traveling with their four-legged friends.

San Diego car crash attorneys at The Barnes Firm said traveling pets can be a safety hazard – not just for owners, but their canine and feline (or any other species) friends.

“Pets have been known to distract people from the road and those distractions cause a vast number of the accidents in San Diego,” car accident attorneys said. “When animals are properly secured, it’s not only safer for pets but it also makes the drive safer for their human chauffeurs.”

The study, which is a continuation of work that began in 2013, will test pet crates and carriers in crash situations and investigate ways to make traveling safer for owners and pets alike. Researchers hope to bring new standards to the pet products industry, which is valued at over $60 billion.

Currently, there are no uniform performance standards or test protocols in the U.S. for pet travel products. Although many safety harness manufacturers test their products, the Center for Pet Safety argues that without uniform standards and protocols, the tests can’t be substantiated.

“If cars didn’t have standardized tests, every automaker could claim their vehicles are safe,” Sheehan said. “Clearly, that’s not the case because of crash tests, like the ones conducted by the (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).”

Sheehan says focus on vehicle safety has skyrocketed since testing became widely standardized in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s and with more than 54.4 million families claiming at least one pet; animal-owners can be a large influence on the car market.

“We’ve seen states implement safety belt laws, strict cell phone laws, and every vehicle is now equipped with standard air bags,” Sheehan said. “Carmakers know safety is a top priority for families shopping for a new vehicle, so they’re continuing to beef-up their safety features.”

Next to be included in those vehicle safety features: pet accessories that allow you to safely bring your furry friends everywhere you go.

The Barnes Firm 1-(800) 800-0000