Secure your furry friends in your car - it's the law
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly."
If you don’t follow the Highway Code you could be considered to be driving without due care and attention. If you’re in an accident because you were distracted by your pet this could be counted as dangerous driving.
A lot of car insurance policies require you to restrain your pets properly. A loose pet in the car could break the terms of your insurance and leave you with a huge bill to pay if you’re in an accident. It may also invalidate your pet insurance if they are injured and need treatment.
Given that it it's a legal obligation to retrain your dogs, here are some tips to ensure they travel safely and comfortably:
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly."
If you don’t follow the Highway Code you could be considered to be driving without due care and attention. If you’re in an accident because you were distracted by your pet this could be counted as dangerous driving.
A lot of car insurance policies require you to restrain your pets properly. A loose pet in the car could break the terms of your insurance and leave you with a huge bill to pay if you’re in an accident. It may also invalidate your pet insurance if they are injured and need treatment.
Given that it it's a legal obligation to retrain your dogs, here are some tips to ensure they travel safely and comfortably:
- The best place for them is in the boot (if can be sufficiently kept cool in the summer months) or on the back seat. If they are in the boot either use guard blocking access to the passenger area or a crate/cage securely positioned. If you use a harness ensure that it is appropriately sized and securely fitted. If they are on the back seat the safest position is behind the passenger seat. The harness should be secured using a seat belt attachment.
- If your dog is getting used to car travel, place something that smells very much of you/your dog in with it to provide a feeling of security. A blanket/bed/pillow case is ideal as the smell can give comfort and reassurance.
- Introduce the car gradually, making getting in and out and wearing the harness a positive experience before starting to travel anywhere.
- Make sure your dog gets used to the car gradually on varied trips. Start on short journeys and finish at home so the dog has a positive association with the journey. It’s important that they are not only taken to the vets, as they may develop negative associations with the car.
- Make sure they always get in out of the car in a controlled manner. Train your dog to wait calmly before being asked to jump out of the car. This is important as it could be dangerous if they jumped out into a road with traffic - for example if you were to travel into a busy area or break down on a main road.
- Ensure that your dog has plenty to drink so they don’t become dehydrated and do not leave them alone in a car.
Bon Voyage!
