Prioritizing Pet Safety in Cars
The Risks of Unrestrained Pets
Nadia Crighton, a spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia, emphasizes the dangers of having unrestrained pets in moving vehicles. This not only poses a risk to the animals themselves but also endangers the occupants of the car.
Unawareness of Risks
Many Australian families remain unaware of the potential dangers and legal implications of allowing dogs to roam freely inside vehicles during travel.
“Even in minor accidents, unrestrained animals can suffer severe consequences,” highlights Crighton. “They can also cause significant harm to the car’s occupants.”
Legal Obligations and Penalties
Laws regarding pet restraint during travel vary across Australian states. Crighton points out that driving with an animal on one’s lap violates the Australian Road Rules, leading to high demerit points and substantial fines.
“In certain states, fines escalate significantly when caught with an unrestrained animal, especially if it poses a distraction to the driver, notably in school zones,” explains Crighton.
Preventing Harm and Distractions
PIA urges Australians to consider the potential consequences of having an unrestrained pet during travel, especially in the event of an unforeseen accident at high speeds.
“Such scenarios can lead to devastating outcomes,” emphasizes Crighton. “Awareness of these risks should prompt all pet owners to ensure proper pet restraint in vehicles.”
Ensuring Proper Restraint
According to state legislation, drivers should not have animals or individuals on their laps while driving. It’s also illegal to leave a dog unrestrained in an open tray-top vehicle.
“Dogs in vehicles should be in properly anchored travel crates or tethered to prevent jumping or falling,” advises Crighton.
The Need for Proper Pet Restraints
Crighton stresses the importance of using specially designed pet carriers or animal car restraints for pet safety. Harnesses that utilize seatbelts to anchor pets securely are available, catering to pets of all sizes.
“Despite these options, it’s still common to see dogs moving unsafely during travel,” notes Crighton. “This lack of awareness contributes to unsafe pet travel practices.”
Safe Practices for Everyone’s Well-being
Addressing pet safety in cars isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about preventing irreversible injuries to both pets and occupants. Properly restraining pets can eliminate distractions to drivers and ensure everyone’s safety during travel.
