According to data from the DGT, more than half of the drivers live in risky situations because they do not carry the animals properly secured in the vehicles. And it is that, one in five travelers takes their pet without any protection system. Although 87% use restraint systems, 11% place the animal in the trunk, separated from the occupants, but without restraint, protection, or separating net, and 1% carry the animal loose in the vehicle or in the arms of a occupant. The latter, in addition to being very dangerous, can imply a penalty of up to 100 euros.
I have a dog, how do I transport it by car?
Although, of pet-owning drivers, 50% are unaware of the regulations governing their transportAccording to the DGT, when we travel with animals inside the vehicle, a series of indications must be taken into account.
Traffic regulations dictate that animals must be securely attached to the vehicle to prevent them from interfering with driving. For this, “it will be placed a separator that prevents it from causing discomfort or being a cause of distractions“, as stipulated in the indications of the General Directorate of Traffic.
separator net for the car
In the event of an accident, a loose dog multiplies the dangers, since it would be thrown and could harm itself or the rest of the passengers. And they give us an example: a 5 kg dog, in an accident at 60 km / h, multiplies its weight by 56 due to inertia, and is thrown with an equivalent weight of 280 kilograms. So, in addition to the separator, it is advisable to use pet restraint systems.
Which restraint system to choose to travel with your dog by car
Never hold the animal on its leash, since it is not a restraint system and poses a significant risk of injury, both for him and for the rest of the occupants. There are several restraint systems available to incorporate into the vehicle: From harnesses with one or two anchors, to carriers on the floor or trunk, through rigid racks for the trunk.
The choice of one or the other depends on the size. In general, the best way to carry small dogs it is in his dog carrier on the floor of the vehicle. if the pet is big, it is best to place the carrier in the trunk in a position transverse to the direction of travel. In this case, for greater security, it is preferable to combine this system with the dividing grid.
Rigid carrier for large dog
This is what the DGT says about the security they offer in the event of an accident each of the systems:
single hook harness
This harness clips onto the vehicle’s seat belt. In the event of a collision, the harness buckle breaks. The animal hits the back of the seat, causing serious spinal injuries to the driver. The animal would suffer serious or fatal injuries.
HONZUEN Dog Harness for Car Headrest, Adjustable Universal Dog Car Belt Leash with Durable Carabiner Seat Belt Dog Dog Safety Belt for Pets, Dogs and Cats, Red
Harness with two hooks
The harness prevents forward movement, therefore no load is transmitted to the driver. To prevent the pet from colliding with the seats (with consequences that would be very serious), they must have a short joint system.
Eyein Dog Harness for Large Small Medium Dogs, 2 in 1 Adjustable Reflective Dog Seat Belt & Car Harness Comfortable Lightweight Breathable Mesh for Travel Most Vehicle
Carrier placed on the floor of the vehicle
Small carriers fit well on the ground. Since they have little space, the energy of the impact is quickly absorbed and the animal’s cabin is hardly deformed, which only suffers minor injuries.
carrier for small dogs
carrier in the trunk
When the animal is larger and the carrier, therefore, it can also be placed in the trunk in a transverse position to the direction of travel. The possibility of injuries to the rear seat occupants cannot be excluded.
carrier for large dogs
Traveling with the carrier in the seat, putting the seat belt on it is not highly recommended since, in the event of an accident, the carrier destroys the belt attachment points. In addition, its upper part is broken. The animal suffers very serious injuries and the occupants of the vehicle bear significant loads.
Likewise, leaving a grid placed between the pillars of the car structure, separating the cabin from the trunk, allows the pet to move freely without disturbing the driver, but in the event of a collision and depending on the position of the animal at that moment, you can suffer very serious injuries. For this reason it is better to combine the carrier with the dividing grid.
Sakura SS5259 – Car Protective Barrier for Dogs, for Headrests, Easy Installation in Most Vehicles, Adjustable Height and Width, No Tools Required
Other recommendations for traveling with dogs by car
It is advisable to stop every two hours, so the animal can urinate or defecate, walk and hydrate. At rest stops we must take special care to control the animal since, when opening the trunk or the door of the vehicle, the animal can run away and cause an incident. Also, never leave the animal inside the vehicle with high temperatures. Not even in a shady area or with the windows open.
If the animal has a tendency to get dizzy, it is preferable Do not give him food or drink in the hours before the trip. At the stops we can take advantage to drink. Finally, you have to remember to monitor the temperature of the vehicle and make sure that there is adequate ventilation at all times.
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Photos | Jeppe Monster, Niki Sanders, via Unsplash, Kiwoko, Decathlon, Amazon.
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