Pet lovers consider their animals to be part of the family and take them everywhere, on foot and in the car. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that taking a pet on the road is quite dangerous, if not properly restrained. The incidence of pets traveling with their owners is up 300% since 2005 and more than 98% of pets travel unrestrained. Even in an accident of only 35 mph, a 60-pound unrestrained dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds slamming into a windshield, car seat or other passenger.
Buckling up is an important safety precaution for pets. Many states, including California are now making it a requirement. Restraints help protect pets in the case of a collision, keep them from running loose and distracting the driver and they prevent them from escaping through a car window or door.
Bark Buckle UP will host a Pet Safety Day at the Volvo of Santa Monica (1719 S. Santa Monica Blvd.) Sunday, September 21 from 11 am – 3 pm. The Volvo XC90 has been named “Safe Pet Vehicle of Choice 2008.” Pet parents can come out, test and try various travel safety products and learn how important and easy it is to keep pets and passengers safe on the road.
