We Drive More Carefully With A Dog In The Car, According To Research
Having a dog in the car makes a motorist drive more carefully, according to research. However, many drivers are still unsure about the rules concerning the transportation of pets…
Driving Safely With A Dog
More than half of the nation’s motorists drive more carefully when they have a dog as a passenger. That’s according to research conducted by SEAT UK. It surveyed 2,000 motorists about their experiences of having a canine companion whilst out on the road. Around 54% of the respondents said they drive more cautiously when they have a dog with them. This figure rises to 69% for 18 – 24 year olds. Yet it falls to 42% of drivers aged 55 or above. A further 35% said they felt calmer if they were accompanied by man’s best friend. That said, many motorists are seemingly unaware of their legal responsibilities when driving with a dog or pet.
Understanding The Rules
A third of the survey’s respondents were unaware that there were rules about restraining dogs and pets whilst driving. A shocking nine out of ten weren’t aware that the maximum penalty for ignoring them is a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points on their licence. One in five admitted to not restraining their pets at all whilst behind the wheel. Nigel Griggs, head of aftersales at SEAT UK, commented on the survey’s findings. He said, “everyone knows the British public is passionate about its dogs. However, this study confirms that having their best friend in the car can contribute to safer driving while also having a positive mental health benefit by reducing stress levels. It appears to be a win-win”. He added, “motorists still need to make sure they’re keeping their dogs safe while travelling, too, and finding comfortable and secure in-car pet accessories to properly restrain pets is as important as using your own seat belt”.
So, there we have it. British drivers are relatively responsible when it comes to driving with a dog onboard; but they need to do their homework when it comes to the law and the Highway Code. It’s also interesting to see that younger drivers are the most cautious when transporting a pet – an indication of rising empathy for animals? Either way, drive cautiously when you have a dog as a passenger. Keep them comfortably restrained, well-watered and monitor their temperature. They count on you, so don’t let them down.
Tesla Has Released ‘Sentry’ And ‘Dog’ Modes For Its Vehicles – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/tesla-has-released-sentry-and-dog-modes-for-its-vehicles/
The Dos And Don’ts Of Driving With Dogs – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/the-dos-and-donts-of-driving-with-dogs/
