Lawmakers have been busy banning motorists from using cellphones while driving, but what about another dangerous distraction — their dogs!
Experts believe an unrestrained dog, whether sitting calmly on a lap or barking in the back seat, can be deadly.
Katherine Miller, director of applied science and research for the ASPCA, says:
“An unrestrained pet can be hugely distracting — if he is seeking your attention, putting his face right in front of yours, starts chewing up the upholstery or is vomiting because he is carsick.”
While Hawaii is the only state that specifically forbids drivers from operating a vehicle with a pet on their lap, Oregon lawmakers are considering fining drivers who hold their pets behind the wheel.
Beyond a simple distraction, in the event of a crash an unrestrained pet can turn into a deadly projectile or simply get crushed by other passengers.
We don’t want that!
It seems like this issue may pick up steam as more states like Oregon begin to make laws to prevent this kind of danger from their highways.
We all like to have our pets ride freely up front with us, but remember, it’s not just our pets safety at stake, it’s everyone else’s on the road.
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[Image via AP Images.]
