May 23, 2013

A new study has shown that driving with a pet in the car can be just as dangerous as operating a cellphone behind the wheel, especially for the elderly.

Researchers examined crash reports and determined that accident rates were higher for those who regularly drove with a pet. The highest accident rate for motorists traveling with pets was among the demographic of drivers who were 70 years of age or older.

A Pennsylvania Car Accident that occurred earlier this week was blamed on a pet in the vehicle. Reports indicate the crash happened at approximately 11:00 a.m. Monday morning in Berwick, Pennsylvania. According to a story from NBC 10-Philadelphia, a 35-year-old woman was driving past a local fast food restaurant when her dog jumped in her lap and got its head stuck in the steering wheel. The woman then lost control of the vehicle, drove onto a sidewalk, and crashed into a power pole.

The accident highlights the need to keep a pet restrained if they are going to ride in a vehicle. Placing a crate or kennel inside the vehicle and tying it down for security can accomplish this goal. Several harness products are also available that attach to a vehicle’s safety belt.

The Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers with Lundy Law hope these tips will help to keep both motorists and their pets safe while traveling.