Auto manufacturers are looking for ways to make pets safer in collisions. The Center for Pet Safety, a nonprofit group in Reston, has partnered with Subaru to try and find effective seat belts for dogs by using crash-test dummies that resemble a terrier, a border collie and a golden retriever. Researchers believe that a three-point harness may be the most effective tool to keep a dog safe in their seat. Statistics indicate that 90 percent of pet owners travel with their pets, but very few strap their pets in. In fact, 17 percent of drivers admitted driving with pets on their laps.
Pets and personal injury
Insightful Hampton Roads attorneys understand the serious nature of a problem that some may consider to be frivolous or even laughable. They understand that:
- A dog is a valuable member of your family. If they are used for breeding or for show, dogs can have a very high financial value, as well.
- Injuries to a pet may not be covered by insurance, meaning that a wounded dog can create an additional financial burden to people who are already faced with lost work and medical bills.
- An accident turns a 20-pound dog into a 20-pound projectile. If the untethered dog is thrown off the back seat, the injury could be even worse.
- If the dog is thrown out of the vehicle, the dog may wander into the roadway and cause additional accidents, or the wounded and disoriented dog may become violent. The loose dog may also hamper rescue efforts.
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