Most of us now remember to clunk click every trip, but the RAC, worried that drivers may not be taking their pets' safety in the car seriously enough, wants us to do the same for our furry friends. With more of us "staycationing" and deciding to take along our pets, the motoring organisation has teamed up with the Dogs Trust to urge owners to strap in their dogs using a special belt and harness adaptor.
Although the Highway Code states "motorists should make sure that dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while driving", perhaps surprisingly there are no legal requirements in this area. It's up to dog owners whether they strap in their pooches. It makes sense to do so – if Rover is belted in he will not be leaping around the car barking and distracting the driver, trying to jump out of the window or even ogle the golden retriever in the next car of a traffic jam. And a belt may be preferable to a nasty cage in the boot.
But it seems many dog lovers are failing to consider the needs of their pets. In a survey, the RAC found that 88% of Brits agreed that belting up during a journey is an important safety measure, yet 60% had never used a dog harness/seat belt to keep their dog secure.
According to Phil Ryan, head of RAC patrols and a dog owner: "At 30mph, for example, an unrestrained 50lb border collie would be thrown forward with a force equivalent to almost nine 12 stone men", so it's not just your pet you will be protecting if there is a crash.
So is it time the government insisted on dogs being restrained in cars? Do you agree with the RAC and the Dog Trust that dogs should be subjected to restraints such as belts or harnesses, or would your furry friend hate to be tied down?
