Many people look at their pet like it’s their child, so it’s only reasonable to take every precaution to protect them – especially during car trips.
Without taking the right steps when transporting a pet, a pet could be injured or even be the cause of distracted driving, putting both the pet and owner in danger of injuring themselves and others. Some pet owners are lucky enough to have a pet that can fit comfortably behind a seat belt and even stay seated for a long time without getting anxious or fidgeting.
Most pet owners may not be so privileged. Here’s what you can do to keep your furry friend safer:
Find the right carrier for your pet
Seat belts aren’t exactly made for smaller dogs, cats, bunnies and lizards, that’s why many pet owners need to consider finding the right carrier for their pet. Most basic pet carriers have tough plastic that not only keeps an anxious pet in but could protect them in a crash.
Many carriers come equipped with padding on the inside that might reduce injuries in a crash and give a furry or scaly friend a bit of comfort on the road. Pet carriers may even have hooks that allow seat belts to secure the crate in place.
Pet carriers can be great at preventing an excited or scared pet from moving around the car too much, causing the driver to take their eyes off the road, risking the dangers of a crash.
Use barriers for bigger animals
Manufacturers often only produce carriers in limited sizes – and this can cause problems for pet owners with larger animals. Those owners can use pet barriers, instead. These are designed to block a pet from gaining access to the front seat.
If you were in a car crash with a driver who was distracted by their pet, then you may need to seek legal help to recover from your losses. In New York, “no-fault” laws require injured drivers to file first against their own insurance. If their injuries are severe, however, they may be able to file a claim against the other party’s insurance. Understanding the rules can be difficult without assistance.
