Dog owners often need to take their four-legged friends with them in the car, for instance if they're going on holiday, to the vets or to a dog-walking spot a bit further from home. However, there is an important rule on keeping pups safe – with drivers facing a potential £5,000 fine if they break it.
Over a third of British drivers who own dogs do not know the Highway Code's requirement to keep pets restrained in a car, according to a new survey conducted by Auto Trader. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that dogs must be suitably restrained by a harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard, DerbyshireLive reports.
However, nearly a quarter of participants in the survey said they did not restrain their pets with a harness or cage when driving. That is despite motorists facing a potential £5,000 fine for careless driving if they cause an accident due to their dog distracting them.
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Auto Trader set out to discover how many Brits are aware of the rules around travelling with pets, in the company's Canine Car Report. It found that 34 per cent of British drivers who own dogs have no idea about the relevant Highway Code rules.
Even among those who claim to be up to speed on the Code's requirements for taking to the road with pets, only 56 per cent knew the correct rules. Of the 44 per cent who answered incorrectly, most thought Rule 57 was either about not allowing pets in the front seat, or stopping them from putting their heads out of the window.
If drivers do end up in an accident because they have been distracted by their pet, their expenses could extend beyond any potential fine if their insurance doesn't cover such incidents. The study found that 62 per cent of drivers aren't properly covered by their insurance provider, or aren't even aware if they are insured.
The key findings from the report were:
A third of British drivers with dogs admit they do not know the Highway Code rules on travelling with pets
Almost 25 per cent of dog-owning motorists do not restrain their dogs while travelling
Just 56 per cent of respondents who claimed to be aware of Highway Code rules on dogs actually selected the right rule
Women are more likely to follow the Highway Code than men. Over 60 per cent of female respondents said they always restrain their pets properly, compared to just 45 per cent of men.
12 per cent of dog owners do not have car insurance that covers accidents involving pets and more than 50 per cent are not aware of whether they have appropriate cover.
Advice on restraining dogs from experts
Adam Spivey, Director and Master Trainer at Southend Dog Training, collaborated with the researchers to provide expertise on the best way to restrain dogs in cars. He explained: “The reality is, if you have a crash or have to slam on the brakes and the dog is not suitably restrained, then your dog is going to act as a projectile, which could result in a horrible scenario, even causing fatalities.
"We understand the safety regulations of a baby being properly seated in a car; we must understand the same applies to dogs too.
A crash-tested impact crate is the safest way for any dog to travel - it is something you see the police use with their dogs. However, if you can’t do that for any reason then at the very least you must use a very secure seatbelt attachment for your dog.”
Erin Baker, Editorial Director from Auto Trader comments: “We know that for many people, four-legged friends are an integral part of day-to-day lives, which is why so many of us want to take them with us wherever we go. But it is so important that drivers who are taking their dogs in the car are aware of the Highway Code’s requirements to properly restrain their pets.
“As our dogs can get easily get distracted by things happening outside of the car, their reactions could lead to distracting the driver, which can cause road accidents. Not only does this put your pet at risk, but also yourself, your vehicle and others on the road.
“It’s vital that drivers find appropriate harnesses and pet guards – whatever restraint their dog responds best to – and use them for every journey, no matter how far they are travelling. We want everyone to be able to enjoy time in their cars with those they love, including their canine companions.”
You can see the full findings from the report, including the best dog breeds for car travel and the ways you should clean a car used by dogs here.
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