DOG owners drive more safely and feel less stressed when their pooches are passengers, according to a study.
Some 54 per cent of dog-owning motorists told SEAT UK that they drove more carefully with their four-legged friends on board.
Interestingly, the canine car companions had the greatest influence over one of the most at-risk age groups on UK roads, with 69 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they drove more cautiously.
In contrast, older drivers were the least affected, with just 42 per cent of the over-55s saying the pets positively influenced their driving behaviour. The presence of a dog in the car also appears to benefit mental health, as 35 per cent of drivers said they felt calmer at the wheel if their dogs were with them.
Despite dogs being an unlikely hero in helping Brits drive more carefully, more than a third of dog-owning drivers were unsure whether there were any rules they needed to obey.
This may mean millions of Brits are unknowingly flouting the law, with a fifth of motorists admitting that they do not restrain their dogs in the car at all while driving.
SEAT UK’s Nigel Griggs said: “Motorists still need to make sure they’re keeping their dogs safe while travelling and finding comfortable and secure in-car pet accessories to properly restrain pets is as important as using your own seat belt.”
