Nearly half of Canadians don't properly secure pets during road trips: survey
Half of surveyed Canadians aren’t securing their pets on road trips, and with fall’s fog, snow, and slippery roads, that can be a dangerous mix
Have you ever spotted someone driving with their dog perched on their lap, or with a pup’s head sticking out the window, ears flapping in the wind? As fun as it looks, it’s not as safe as it seems. A new survey from Allstate Canada reveals that while most Canadians love taking their pets on the road, nearly half of those surveyed aren’t securing them properly.
"We conducted a survey to understand how many Canadians were traveling with their pets, and we found that 84 per cent took their pets in the vehicle at least once a year. But only about 50 per cent actually restrain them with a harness or ventilated crate," explained Odel Laing, Agency Manager at Allstate Canada.
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Fall is one of the busiest seasons for Canadian road trips, from closing up the cottage, to gathering for Thanksgiving, to chasing those famous fall colours. But mix in unpredictable weather and an unrestrained pet, and that’s where things can get even more risky.
"In the fall, we see extreme fog, early snow, or icy conditions. That can certainly impact driving, and if pets are not secured, it puts them and drivers at even greater risk," said Laing.
The survey found that dog owners are the biggest culprits, with 61 per cent admitting they leave their dogs unrestrained.
Cat owners, on the other hand, tend to be more cautious. Even more concerning, surveyed Canadians who don’t use pet restraints are almost twice as likely to hit the road this fall compared to those who do.
So, what’s the safest way to bring your furry co-pilot along? Experts recommend planning ahead:
Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Road Trip Safety
Choose the right restraint: use a ventilated crate or a crash-tested harness clipped to a seatbelt.
Place the crate safely: follow the manufacturer’s instructions — usually, the back seat is best.
Secure small pets: never let them sit on your lap while driving.
Keep heads inside: as cute as it looks, flying debris can seriously injure your pet.
Check the forecast before you go: review the weather forecast to ensure safe driving conditions.
An unrestrained pet can become a projectile in the event of a sudden stop, putting not only your pet at risk but also everyone else in the car. Emergency responders also warn that loose pets can make it harder to provide help after a collision and scared animals may even dart into traffic, causing further danger.
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At the end of the day, pets are precious cargo. Just like we buckle up, they deserve the same protection. This fall, before you hit the road, secure your furry friend in a harness or crate. It’s one simple step that keeps them safe, keeps you focused, and helps ensure your fall adventures are full of good memories, not accidents.
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Thumbnail image courtesy: Unsplash