Having other human passengers in the car can at times, be distracting. Pets who can get overly excited when travelling in the car can bounce around, causing you to lose focus on the road.
We can all agree that wearing a seatbelt is vital for safety; it’s also the law. So why as Aussies, who are huge animal lovers do we see un-restrained pets in cars?
Keeping your dog secured while you drive is essential not just for the safety of your canine but for you and your passengers. If you choose to let, your pet sit on your lap while you drive, they could interfere with your vision and may cause an accident. Your pet could then be thrown from the car and be seriously injured, or the airbags could deploy crushing the animal between you and the steering wheel.
The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) advises that;
A driver, motorcycle rider, bicycle rider or passenger must not lead an animal, including by tethering, while the vehicle is moving.
Animals should be seated or housed in appropriate areas.
A driver must not drive with an animal in their lap.
A motorcycle rider must not ride with an animal between the handlebars and the rider.
Police can issue demerit points, and fines could apply for not following these rules.
RSPCA statistics have revealed that in Australia, almost 5000 dogs are killed or wounded from falling from a moving vehicle each year. Animals can be injured or thrown around the car if you have to brake or swerve suddenly. A car harness is the most popular option to keep your dog safely secured. They are easy to use and will attach to your seatbelts within your car.
As massive dog…and a few cat lovers here at Express Lube, we want to make sure you and your animals are safe on the road. Look after you pets when you travel by keeping them restrained. If you’re planning a long drive, stop every few hours to hydrate your dog, take them for a walk and a toilet break. Remember, if you love your dog look after it, when you travel in the car.
The information given in this blog is from the NSW government Roads and Maritime Services website and is a guide only and is subject to change at any time without notice. Please visit their site at https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/animals.html
