Driving Safely with Animals

Generally speaking, you normally would not have animals in your vehicle, however, there may be occasions where this is necessary. Taking your dog out to the park, your cat to the vets, or even when you work alongside animals – large or small – can lead to you needing to transport these creatures.

As with any form of driving, it is imperative that you try to keep your risk level low, and attention to potential hazards high throughout the trip. Unrestrained or uncontrolled animals can increase your likelihood of an accident. You might wish to get in touch with a New Orleans accident attorney for more info if this has occurred. 

Following the driving laws regarding the transportation of animals is essential, but it may also be a good idea to look at recommendations and put those into place. While they may not necessarily be a legal requirement, those pieces of advice are there for a reason, and could really go a long way in helping to prevent any incidents from occurring. 

Pet Seatbelts

Dog lovers might already know of or use pet seatbelts. These harnesses are, in some countries, required by law. For those where they aren’t, they can still be a fantastic idea. Not only can they help to prevent extensive injury if an accident were to occur, but they can also stop your dog from moving around too much in the vehicle. This can stop your pooch from running around, climbing up on the seats and windows, and from distracting you or touching something that might cause a problem, such as shifting the gear.

Carrier Boxes

For cats and other smaller animals, you should be using a proper, lockable carrier. These animals need to be restrained properly so that they don’t spook or cause distractions. Putting them in the carrier in the first place might be a bit difficult, particularly if your animal recognises the carrier and tries to make themselves scarce on sight, however, the effects of not using one are far more detrimental. 

Horse Boxes

A horse box attached to the car needs to be in good condition and not require any repairs. It is imperative that you make sure your box trailer meets any legal requirements and that your horse has enough room to stand safely. You might also want to provide your horse with some hay or other food to keep them happy throughout the journey. 

For especially long journeys, dogs and horses may require breaks. Finding suitable places to stop and allowing them to walk around is crucial – this cannot simply be done by the side of the road. Prior planning would be needed to make sure you can look after your animals and still keep yourself and other road users safe.