When we travel with our pets in the car, there is a protocol to follow so that they can do it as safely as possible, both them and us. However, wheeled vehicles can cause accidents not only when animals circulate inside them. The most recent data from the DGT show that in the period between 2016 and 2020 There have been 967 accidents on interurban roads with traffic victims due to running over pets. This It represents 866 accidents due to collision with a dog and 101 accidents due to running over cats. These numbers, in addition, correspond only to cases that have been registered and of which there is evidence.
On the other hand, they have also been counted in the same five years 18,445 traffic accidents with material damage due to running over animals company, in which 2,762 dogs and 1,032 cats were involved. That is why, in order to properly care for our pets and the people around us on public roads, people who own animals must know the regulations that apply to them and what to do and avoid to improve Road Safety.
Many times it is about aspects of common sense but that, sometimes, with the rush and stress of modern life, we skip them. So the DGT has collected what are the commandments for a safe walk, which does not hurt to read and reread to always keep in mind since owners or caregivers who walk the animal, we are responsible for maintaining control over them in order to avoid inconvenience and damage.
always tied
Animals must always be kept on a leash and controlled when we circulate through the pedestrian zone, since being an animal can have unpredictable reactions that lead to an accident and/or its own run over. In addition, according to the legislation in force in all Spanish municipalities, it is an offense punishable by an economic fine to take the dog loose, with the exceptions provided for in the ordinances.
Each municipality has its range of fines for the movement of pets without control, but the fines for taking a loose dog out of hours and where it is not due, entail a penalty that around 100 euros. Although there are localities with lower fines and places where they rise up to 300 euros, as in the case of the Vigo City Council.
away from curbs
The animal must go the area closest to the buildings and away from curbs if you drive close to the road.
cross where it touches
We must cross the street with the pet through authorized places such as zebra crossings or marked with traffic lightsthat is, where we pedestrians should also do it.
Watch out for stretchy straps
The DGT recommends avoiding extensible straps that do not allow control of dogs in a safe way.
Watch out for the bike lane
Sometimes it happens, even when we humans walk alone, we are distracted and we are not aware that we have invaded the limits that separate the sidewalk and/or road for pedestrians from the bike lane. Being careful not to do so becomes even more important when we are accompanied by our furry friend.
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