Pets in the Car
Driving with your pet in the car can be dangerous, and it should be restrained properly to protect both the animal and your vehicle’s other occupants.
Keep Yourself and Your Pet Safe
Unrestrained pets in a vehicle can easily be hurt, and they may also become dangerous projectiles that injure the vehicle’s human occupants in the event of a collision. Here are some strategies to help you keep your pet safe and prevent it from becoming a distraction while you’re driving:
Prevent carsickness
To keep your pet from experiencing carsickness on long trips, feed it three to four hours prior to leaving.
Keep your pet inside the vehicle
Allowing an animal to stick its head out the window or ride in the back of a pickup truck can be dangerous. Flying debris and rocks can damage your pet’s eyes and ears, and it may be thrown from the vehicle during an accident.
Restrain your pet
Pet restraints are the simplest and most effective way to protect your pet and prevent it from becoming a distraction. There are two popular pet restraint solutions: seat belts and carriers.
- Seat belts made for humans aren’t safe for your pet. Pet belts are typically easy to use. Most work in conjunction with your seat belt. Choosing a belt that is the right size for your animal is critically important, since selecting one that is too big or too small can lead to serious injuries.
- Carriers. Purchase a sturdy pet carrier that provides plenty of ventilation and sufficient room for your pet to turn around and stretch out. Ensure that the carrier is secured firmly to prevent it from flying around in the event of a collision.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
While having a distracting pet in a vehicle is dangerous, it doesn’t bar you from seeking compensation in the event of an accident caused by another motorist. Under the comparative negligence rules in Texas, multiple parties may share liability for a collision. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.