Is this your pet peeve?
Most of us spend our lives protecting the ones we love. We do this at home, while playing and while traveling in our vehicles; or do we? I see drivers wearing their seatbelts correctly and also see their family members wearing their seatbelt, but then I witness these people having their dog sit on the lap as the driver continues driving along. Isn’t their dog an adopted member of their family? Shouldn’t they be secured in the vehicle as well?
I think it’s one thing to have your family pet come into the vehicle with you, but having them sitting on the passenger’s lap is dangerous to the pet’s life. A sudden swerve or stop would ensure that animal is thrown forward or against the glass. If you loved your dog, why would you ever want something like that to happen?
As much as we would love to have our companion sitting beside us, it’s safer for them to be secured in a harness so they can stay safe. I remember a local business that would transport your pet to the vet for their check ups for a small fee. What a great idea! When our family had a cat, I would put the cat in the cat carrier with a small blanket or towel in it and secure the seatbelt through the carrier. The first thing was to make sure the cat was safe and comfortable in the carrier, but the other part was to ensure the carrier wasn’t going to come flying toward me in case I had to suddenly stop or change direction.
My main concern with loose pets in the vehicle is when drivers allow their dog to sit on their lap while they are driving. Why on earth would you want this distraction while driving? If you truly loved your family pet, please place them in a safe place for your trip. The thought of a dog or cat hitting their head against a hard object when it was truly avoidable makes me cringe.
Let’s work on protecting all of our family members when they’re in the vehicle; including our dogs and cats. Maybe this has turned into my pet peeve?
**If you would like to listen to more about taking your pet in the vehicle, have a quick listen to this short episode of the “Speed Bumps” podcast!
**Distracted driving is more than using the phone…HERE
Hi Scott…it’s also illegal. Section 162 (Drive While Crowded) of the Highway Traffic Act states: No person shall drive a motor vehicle with persons or property in the front driver’s seat so placed as to interfere with the proper management of control of the motor vehicle. The charge of Careless Driving could also be applied under certain circumstances. And yes, the dog counts as property.
Thanks Paul. Appreciate the feedback for our Canadian readers.
I also shiver at the thought of a pet in the front seat being hit by the air bag.
My pet tortoise weighs 18 lbs & has a shell up to 1 inch thick. Wouldn’t want her flying around in a car.
Thank you for your thoughtful insight that will keep all of us safe!
Always a pleasure!
Would a small dog sleeping atop the passengers lap, secured by the owners hand who awakes and gently steps over to the drivers side window, not interfering with the proper management of control of the motor vehicle be frowned upon and scrutinized? Yes, they would. Because they are breaking the law? No. But because everyone has an opinion and interprets the law to suit their position. If in fact Paul is correct, instances such as the one tweeted out by the OPP can be contesting court and will not result in any penalty on the driver.
There are a plethora of scenarios that align with this description. Most obvious is when there is a person sitting atop the drivers lap while the driver is operating the vehicle. This clearly can and will interfere with the proper management of control of the motor vehicle.