It’s time to enjoy Western New York’s wonderful parks, bike trails, and hiking trails now that the nice weather has arrived. Think about both your own and your favorite four-legged companions’ safety if you intend to bring them.
But another reminder is also necessary to point out. There are regulations in place in New York State to prevent distracted driving.
Do not use cell phones or text. Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers. Avoid eating while driving. Be sure children are properly and safely restrained. Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel.
There are a lot more things to look out for on the roads in the summer. There are so many things to watch out for, like children riding bikes and motorcycles, that any additional distraction poses a serious risk. Even though we adore our pets, there is a better and safer way to transport them.
Regarding fines, there are specific penalties for distracted driving, particularly for cell phone users who are behind the wheel.
Distracted Driving Laws
You could still receive a ticket or fine for distracted driving even if there are no restraint laws in your area, as there are in California. In fact, some laws against distracted driving specifically mention animals in vehicles. Disallowing animals from being on a person’s lap in a vehicle, especially drivers, is one of the most prevalent state laws regarding distracted driving caused by pets. There are many states that have laws that forbid your dog from riding in your lap, including Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. This law makes sense because even the best-behaved dog on your lap can become a distraction.
These laws don’t always prohibit keeping animals on your lap. Some laws, such as those in Hawaii and Massachusetts, also prohibit having a dog near the driver and in a position to put the car’s controls in jeopardy. Last but not least, if you’re caught driving while distracted, most states will leave it up to the police officer’s judgment. This means that even though there aren’t any laws specifically prohibiting unruly dogs from being in the front seat, you could still receive a fine or citation.
Interacting with your dog while driving is another instance of behavior that could constitute distracted driving and result in a citation. Washington DC law actually stipulates that “interacting with a pet” is a moving violation and results in a monetary fine, whereas many states leave this up to the officer.
Animal Cruelty Laws
Animal cruelty laws are probably the last thing on your mind as you pack your car for a nice long drive with your dog, but these laws frequently include sections about road trips. You’ll want to take as many preventative measures as you can to keep your dog safe, just as you might want to protect your car’s door sill from your pet’s claws with something like a Universal Door Sill Protector DIY kit.
Depending on the state you live in, different sections of the animal cruelty laws apply to traveling with pets. The majority of laws forbid transporting or holding animals in an abusive manner. Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Ohio all have this law. It should be noted that these laws are ambiguous about what constitutes cruel treatment of a pet in terms of how it is transported or confined. The law in Alabama is even more ambiguous and gives police discretion if they believe the arrangement endangers an animal’s welfare.
Plan to stop regularly on long road trips.
Make sure you have plans to stop frequently so that your dog can get out, stretch their legs, and drink if you know you will be driving for a while.
Contact us to learn more about how to keep your dog comfortable inside and outside of the car, or if you’re looking into better safety equipment for your pet so that you can travel more freely.
FAQ
Where should a dog sit in the car?
Therefore, the back seat of the car is actually the safest place for your dog to ride. A dog in the front seat can be both distracting and hazardous for the animal in the event of an accident. While the distractions are minimized and the dog is kept safest in the back seat in the event of an accident.
How do you travel with a large dog in the front seat?
It’s best to put your dog in a carrier or crate in the passenger seat and turn off the passenger-side airbags in this situation. Use a safety harness to restrain your dog in the front seat if they are too big to fit in a crate.