Advice for keeping your pet safe in the car
At Auto Value, our highest priority is helping drivers and their passengers stay safe on the road — and that includes those with four legs! If you’ve got Fido or Mittens in the backseat, it’s important that you take safety precautions. Here’s some practical advice to follow when driving with your pet in the car.
Risks to avoid
It’s unsafe to leave a cat or dog unsecured inside a moving vehicle. Know that when you factor in driving speed, the weight of an object increases exponentially at the moment of a collision. For example, breaking abruptly at 50 km/h multiplies the weight of an animal thirtyfold. If it collides with the windshield, your dog or cat would have virtually no chance of surviving.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that animals are unpredictable. If left free to roam around the vehicle, a dog or cat could end up under the gas or brake pedal or could climb onto the driver’s shoulders, distracting him or her from the road.
Does your dog like to stick his head out the window as you drive? This isn’t worth the risk either. For one, there’s a chance he’ll get insects or debris in his mouth, eyes and ears (which can lead to infection or injury). Moreover, you pet could obstruct your vision or be thrown from the vehicle in the event of an accident. If your pup is too hot, consider putting in a window guard gate vent, or else turn up the air conditioning.
Safety measures to adopt
There are several kinds of car restraints available for pets, whatever their size (leases, harnesses, dog seat belts, etc.). Find a comfortable product for your pet at a trusted retailer and follow the manufacturer’s direction to the letter. If your pet is small, you can put him in a well-ventilated cage on the floor in the front of the back seat. There are also barriers designed to prevent dogs from climbing through the car. Do some research to find out which products are right for your pet.
During long drives, stop regularly so that your pet can drink, stretch his legs and do his business. Never leave him alone in the vehicle while you’re doing errands, especially during summer. Even if you crack a window, your pet could suffer a potentially fatal heat stroke in a matter of minutes.
At Auto Value, we know that having your car regularly serviced is an essential part of staying safe on the road. Make an appointment today at your local Auto Value Service Center!
Service is the difference. We get it!