WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE—
A new study shows a shocking number of dog owners don't buckle their best friend. If you were caught driving with your child in your lap, you would be in trouble. A new survey by AAA says 20% of dog owners admitted they let their furry friend ride shotgun, and even worse admit to petting or playing with their dog while they're behind the wheel.Riding shotgun with the window down is most dogs favorite place to ride. AAA Rep Roy Hinz says, "You know people say well my dog is really well behaved, it doesn't move, well it doesn't matter."
AAA did a survey and found that only 17% of dog owners buckle up their best friend. One dog owner said, "No, I think for him it would scare him." Even scarier is what would happen in a crash.
At just 50 miles an hour, a 10 pound dog would exert 500 pounds of force. That could be devastating for a small dog.
AAA says most people let their pets roam free in the car, and it's a dangerous distraction. 5% of drivers surveyed admitted to playing with their dog while driving. 7% fed their pet while driving, and 55% said they pet their dogs while driving.
The best place for your best friend is being secured in the back seat. Hinz says, "It doesn't matter if you're going two blocks to the dog park or you're going on a day long trip, because you never know when you're going to slam on your breaks or when you're going to be in a crash."
