Traveling around with pets inside a vehicle may be unavoidable at times. A beloved dog or cat might need to see the vet, or it could be time for daily exercise at a local park. No matter why a pet travels with their owner on Texas roads, the travel time should involve attention to safety. Pets, particularly ones not restrained, may create distractions and undermine safety.
Driving with an unrestrained pet
When someone drives on the highway, paying attention to the road, other drivers and potential hazards helps reduce accident risks. If a dog jumps on the driver’s lap, a significant distraction may result. Dealing with a pet at high speeds raises danger levels considerably, yet some drivers may not take steps to secure their pets.
Past experiences might guide current behavior. A docile pet may not cause any problems, leading owners to not worry about securing their four-legged friend. However, what happened in the past doesn’t matter if the driver gets sued for causing an accident. Litigation looks at the circumstances of the current incident. When negligence plays a role in the incident, a distracted pet owner can likely expect a lawsuit to follow.
Securing the pet and cutting down on distractions
Purchasing a pet travel case, one big enough to accommodate the animal safely, might prevent troubles while driving. Allowing even a small animal to roam around the vehicle’s interior could set a course for problematic distractions.
Distracted driving continues to be a problem on the road throughout the country. Eating, drinking, texting and engaging in other behaviors will take the mind and hands away from where they belong. Is petting a dog much different from drinking coffee while driving? One hand is off the wheel and performing a non-driving task.
Distracted driving motor vehicle accidents could result in serious injuries and death on Texas roads. Speaking with an attorney after a collision may lead an injured individual to take appropriate civil action.
