DOGS IN CARS MAINLY MAKE US DRIVE SAFER

New research from Seat in the U.K. suggests that dogs can make humans safer drivers.

Not only do dogs cabinside reduce stress behind the wheel in one-third but they also make most of us drive more carefully.

Just over one-half of the dog-owning drivers surveyed said that they were more careful behind the wheel when traveling with their pet in the car. That was particularly true of younger drivers, with 69 percent of motorists aged 18-24 years affirming that they drive more safely with their dog on board.

On the other hand, only 42 percent of those over 55 years of age said that they were more cautious at the wheel when their dog was in the car.

Locale seemed to matter too, with 70 per cent of London drivers likely to behave more carefully in the company of their dog.

However, dog owners are generally ignorant of laws around traveling with dogs in the car. One-third felt there were no rules whatsoever. Ninety percent in the U.K. were unaware that they could get points and a significant fine for driving recklessly with a dog on board.

Here in New Zealand the rules are a bit more laid back. It is considered dangerous to drive with an animal in your arms or lap. And a driver must not operate a vehicle in a manner that may injure an animal. There are no laws regarding restraints here, and in the UK study one in five admitted they do not use harnesses or safety belts for their dogs.

This study confirms that having a furry friend in the car can lead to safer driving habits and lower stress.

“Motorists still need to make sure they’re keeping their dogs safe while traveling too, and finding comfortable and secure in-car pet accessories to properly restrain pets is as important as using your own seat belt” the authors concluded.