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If something should startle your pet however well behaved
it may be it could jump to the drivers lap or feet increasing the risk of
car
accidents.
If you are unfortunate enough to have been involved in a
road accident an unrestrained pet could escape and run into the road and be
hit by another vehicle, or cause others to have an accident, or attack
people who may be trying to help.
When travelling with your pets always ensure that they are
safely secured in a pet carrier, a seatbelt harness, a travel cage or behind
a dog guard, the pets needs should determine the most suitable restraint.
Pet Carriers are suitable for cats, small dogs and other similar sized pets.
They should be secured using a seatbelt or by wedging them
into a foot well. Under no circumstances should they be placed in the boot
of a saloon car where they could suffocate, and as with hatchback and estate
boots they will not be secured and will be thrown around, especially in an
accident. Seatbelt harnesses are suitable for medium and large dogs, one
which fixes to the vehicles integral seatbelts is usually best.
They should go around the dogs chest, back and shoulders
and be fixed to the vehicles own fastened seatbelts. When purchasing a
harness ensure that it is suitable for your dog’s weight and size and fits
correctly not allowing your pet to become tangled up.
Wide restraining straps are best as if you are involved in
an accident the animal’s weight is distributed across a larger part of your
animal’s body.
Travel cages are suitable for larger animals including
dogs, but you should ensure that it is the correct size for your pet. Cages
can usually be secured to anchor points in the boot of hatchbacks or estates
but again should not be used in the boot of saloon cars.
In the car, seatbelts should secure the travel cage, not
forgetting to allow good ventilation so your pet can breathe.
Dog guards keep your pet away from the driver but will not
protect it in a
car accident. If you are required to transport a pet in an emergency,
perhaps because it is injured, a sports bag or shopping bag may be used
providing it is big enough, and allows it to breathe normally. These bags
should be secured using the vehicles seatbelts. If you need to transport a
dog on an open backed vehicle it should be in a suitable cage that is
secured to the vehicle.
This stops it being thrown or leaping off the vehicle, and
should help to stop objects blowing into the animal’s eyes, ears and mouth.
Pets should be in their carriers before you reach the
vehicle, apart from dogs which should be taken to and from the vehicle on
their lead before being secured.
Always use the door on the pavement side for entering and
exiting the vehicle.
If you are
involved in accident whist transporting your pet always be sure it has
calmed down and that you are in safe surroundings before removing it from
its carrier.
If the accident is serious call a vet. Don't transport
your pet where an active airbag could go off. Don't let your pet put it's
head out of the window.
Is your pet covered by insurance if you need to make a
car
accident claim? The Royal Society for
the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) provides advice on many kinds of
road safety issues. |
