When the holidays are just around the corner and the weather is welcoming, taking your pet with you on a vacation isn’t a bad idea. Your furry friend won’t fail to give you the most-needed companionship. However, beware that you don’t let one mistake spoil your great time. Make sure that you’ve secured your pet while driving.
You should be aware that traveling with your canine friend on any passenger seat could risk a £5,000 fine with nine penalty points depending on your offense severity. Whether you’re taking a short trip to the park or embarking on a longer journey, failing to pay an on-the-spot fee of £100 can result in your losing thousands out of the pocket.
The matter could even get worse with you losing your license or car with no insurance to offer support, either. Yes, there’s a high probability that your insurer isn’t going to have any of that. This is because it’s hard to prove whose fault it was in case you get involved in an accident.
The Law
An uSwitch.com research revealed that about 70% of drivers admit to journeying with their pets in the vehicle with them. A fifth of these said they were not aware of the law concerning driving with animals. Instead, they admitted that they don’t secure their pets with a safety harness.
This agrees with another research at https://www.allcarleasing.co.uk/blog/homeward-hound-cars-and-dogs/. According to the latter, 1 in 3 dog owners admit to not securing their pets while driving their car.
All these are in violation to rule 57 of the Highway Code that requires dog owners to suitably restrain their pets while driving. The law states that this ensures they don’t distract you while driving. Moreover, it’s a safety precaution to keep the dog from injuring you or itself in case of a sudden stop.
The ways of securing your canine friend include a seat belt harness, dog cage, dog guard, or pet carrier. Keep in mind that a crash can result in a significant force throwing your unsecured furry friend forward. This could end up in your pet’s death or injury of the passenger or driver. If the dog’s size is bigger, you may even die.
What You Should Do
Of course, the law doesn’t forbid motorists from traveling with their pets. It is failing to buckle them that’s the issue. Whether you’re driving at a low or high speed, a loose pet can be very dangerous. It could cause emergency stops, near misses, or even accidents.
While keeping an eye on your dog or cat can be helpful, it’s not a foolproof method of avoiding the dangers it can cause while you’re driving. Instead of getting unnecessary distractions from your furry friend, follow the Highway Code and you’ll be safe together with your pet as well as other motorists.
Abide By the Law and be Safe
Restraining your pet while driving isn’t just about obeying the law and escaping fines. It also involves you, your pets, and other motorist’s safety. Make sure you have a seat belt or other harness on your next trip with a pet.
