Why should I restrain my dog?
There are more reasons than you may think...
Prevent driver distraction
This is the most important reason because it affects not just your vehicle's occupants, but potentially many others. Pets and loose objects are the 3rd worst in-car distraction according to a study in the USA! They were considered worse than cell phone usage (6 on the list), eating & drinking (5) and adjusting climate controls (4). Number 1 was adjusting a radio or CD player, number 2 was children or others in car (Source: Extra Magazine telecast 20-Aug-01). During 2000 in the USA more then 1.5 million accidents were caused by distracted driving! (Source: NBC Dateline telecast 19-Jun-01).
Protect your dog
Your dog deserves the same protection as you and your family... In a 48 km/h collision occupants of the vehicle can exert a force 20 times that of their body weight! Seat belts and harnesses protect by absorbing some of this force and distributing the load evenly across the stronger areas of the body, protecting the head, neck and body from injury. A dog restraint that reduces this potential impact force can make the difference between life and death, and help prevent serious injury.
Protect yourself and your family
In an accident, a dog can be thrown with hundreds or even thousands of kilos of force into other occupants of the vehicle, easily causing life threatening injuries. A good restraint system can help minimize this danger.
Help rescue workers
A dog that has been in an accident is likely to be shocked, confused, injured and protective. It does not understand what has happened and may attack people or rescue workers indiscriminately and without additional provocation. Your dog may think that people who come to help you actually caused the accident and are now coming to attack again! Police officers have told us that they have shot dogs when in this situation.
Stop runaways and escapes
Even well behaved dogs can have their moments of "distraction". Far from home or on vacation is the worst place to lose your dog. Dogs can also get injured or killed if jumping from even a slow moving vehicle.
Reduce car sickness or fear
Some veterinarians recommend restraint systems to help stabilize a dog when braking, cornering and accelerating. This gives them a feeling of security and can help them overcome nervousness and the fear of driving. Many of our customers have also confirmed this.
Restraints may be required by law
In many European countries, dogs are considered as 'luggage' and should thus be secured. Insurance companies may not pay out for injuries sustained by loose 'luggage' in an accident. In Germany, Austria, Spain and Italy you can be fined if your dog is not restrained. The laws there are more specific.
