It is inevitable that dog owners will, at some point, take their furry friend for a ride in the car, whether it is to the vet, on vacation, or somewhere else. Recently, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Kurgo, a leading manufacturer of pet travel products, surveyed dog owners about their driving habits while their dog is in the car. The results? Drivers love having their dogs in the car, but in doing so, they often engage in risky behaviors.

In the past year, 56 percent of dog owners have driven with their pooch in the car at least once a month. Many admitted that while driving, they pet their dog (52 percent), hold their dog or allow it to sit in their lap (17 percent), give their dog food or treats (13 percent), and even take pictures of their dog (3 percent).

Twenty-three percent of those surveyed said they have used their hands or arms to hold their dog in place while applying brakes, and 19 percent have used their hands or arms to prevent their pup from climbing into the front seat.

Of all these pet-owning drivers, only 16 percent currently use a pet restraint, while 42 percent believe their pet is calm and does not need one. Although nearly one-third (29 percent) believe their pet does not need a restraint because car trips are always short and many others (39 percent) have never even considered it, an unrestrained dog can put passengers at risk.

Regardless of a pet's actions in the car, one dog will be thrown with just as much force as another in the event of an accident. According to Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, AAA National, Traffic Safety Programs manager, an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles per hour will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 miles per hour will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure.

“Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in its path,” said Huebner-Davidson. “Drivers should use a pet restraint system for (their) dog every time their pet is in the vehicle.”

Of the respondents who drive with a dog in the vehicle, 18 percent said they also have a child under the age of 13. Of those motorists, 70 percent have driven with a child and an unrestrained dog in the vehicle at the same time.

This online study was performed among a sample of 1000 dog owners who had driven with their dog in the past year.

Special Reports /

Distracted Driving: Bringing Fido Along for the Ride

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