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Did you know? AAA Members get exclusive discounts on their pet’s favorite pet products, from treats to pet insurance.
The leaves are orange. The air is brisk. Your furry friend’s tongue flaps in the wind as they embrace the beautiful fall weather on your morning drive.
As you pull up to a stop sign, your sighthound locks in on a squirrel gingerly crossing the road. Suddenly, your normally calm dog leaps through the open window of your stopped car to pursue the woodland critter. Tires screech, horns honk and panic sets in as you witness your dog flinch and dodge oncoming traffic.
Thankfully, they make it to the other side of the road. As you breathe a sigh of relief, you think about what almost happened and what could have been done to prevent it.
The above scenario is just one of several that an unrestrained dog could cause. Even the best-behaved pooches can react unexpectedly to sounds, vehicle movements, other animals or people. However, it doesn’t take much for a free-roaming pet to distract the driver. Here are just a few examples:
A recent AAA survey found that 43% of Florida dog owners said their dog’s behavior affected their driving, causing them to miss a traffic signal, take their eyes off the road, take a hand off the steering wheel, or brake or swerve suddenly.
Not only is this unsafe for you and others sharing the road with you, but a lack of restraints could also mean your dog is thrown around the car or into another occupant, through the window, or out of the vehicle entirely in an accident. Securing your pets is essential for your safety and theirs every time they ride in the car with you.
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Save NowThough you may want your four-legged friend riding shotgun or in your lap, AAA says the safest place for them is secured in the back seat. However, you shouldn’t just try to attach a seat belt or restraint directly to their collars. The force of an impact could cause serious neck or throat injuries. It’s important to restrain them properly. Here are a few methods you can use to secure them:
When you’re shopping around for restraints, be sure to read the product details carefully to ensure that the harness, carrier or restraint is crash-tested and designed to be used in vehicles. If you love your dog enough to take them wherever you go, it’s important to go the extra mile to ensure their safety and yours.
Repeatable habits build lasting change. If you practice these simple steps every time you take your pup for a ride, traveling with them safely will become a breeze.
Is your pet riding shotgun on your car-buying decision? Learn key features to consider and how to balance your pet's needs with your budget and lifestyle.
What to Look ForThough you may think it’s okay to let your dog roam free while you’re on the go, your state or local municipality may disagree, legally speaking. Laws requiring the use of a pet restraint or harness vary by state. But whether it’s legal or not in your state for pets to ride unrestrained in a vehicle, show your dog how much you love them by always securing them safely in the back seat.
It only takes one distraction to cause a deadly crash, but a proper restraint or carrier can help reduce the risk. Before you go, paws (ahem) and make sure your four-legged friend is secure so that you can all get where you’re going safe and sound.
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Join Today!The safest place is the back seat, where the dog should be secured with an appropriate restraint, carrier or pet car seat.
Attach the restraint to a fitted, crash-tested harness rather than a collar, which could cause neck or throat injuries in a crash.
Choose a fitted, crash-tested harness and pet seat belt, a secured crate or carrier, or a pet car seat designed for your dog’s size and weight.
No. A dog riding in the front seat or on someone’s lap can distract the driver and may be seriously injured in a sudden stop or crash.
Start with short rides, use rewards and consistently buckle your dog in before starting the vehicle.
Pet-restraint laws vary by state and locality, so check the rules where you drive and secure your dog on every trip, regardless of whether the law requires it.
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AAA Members receive a free vehicle maintenance inspection upon request with any paid service at a nearby AAA-owned Car Care Center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, a 36-month/36,000-mile guarantee on repairs at AAA-owned Car Care locations, and a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Members also receive a 10% discount on repair labor (save up to $75).
