Wearing a seatbelt has become second nature to just about everyone, and it’s for good reason too, to protect ourselves from injuries if we find our way into a collision. But have you ever thought about that furry, four-legged friend of yours? Have you ever thought about what would happen to your dog if you were to get into a car accident? According to a survey performed by AAA and Kurgo, a leading manufacturer of pet travel products, 52% of respondents said they pet their dog while driving, with another 25% admitting to using their hand or arm to restrain their dog while applying their brakes. Unfortunately, arm strength alone won’t save a dog from flying off the seat in an accident, just like it wouldn’t save another person.

According to AAA National, “an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure.” That is enough force to either seriously injure the animal itself or another passenger within the car. So if you consider your canine part of the family, they should be no exception to the rule of seat belts.

Dog safety restraints are becoming more popular as people’s awareness increases about pet safety. There are a variety of different safety restraints that can be used in the car from harnesses to barriers to special seats for your pet. An example of how one of these types of restraints works is shown in the video below.

The survey showed that although more than 83% of people surveyed acknowledged the dangers of pets riding freely in the car more than 42% said they did not use any type of safety restraint for their animal. Safety restraints are sold through a variety of outlets and pet supply stores. And with the increasing awareness of pet safety and growing popularity in dog safety restraints, pet owners are running out of excuses to not take that one extra step to make sure ALL of their family members are safe in the car.

So the next time you take your pet for a ride in the car and don’t strap him in, think twice about whether the risk is worth the reward and if your dog’s car freedom is worth the injuries he may sustain in a car accident. Each time you drive your car there are more factors than just you and the road, so make sure worrying about your pet is not one of them.