Drivers 'putting lives at risk by not strapping their dogs into cars'

One study found that drivers are putting their lives at risk, as well as the passengers and other road users on the roads, by not strapping their dogs into their cars. Experts estimate that if the car crashes at 40 km / h (25 mph), the unrestrained dog can develop projection forces 40 times that of its weight.

However, the survey of 1,000 dog-owning drivers revealed that 45 percent do not secure their pets every time they drive their cars. And more than half of them allow their dog to roam freely in the car on each trip.

After the collision in Dundee, one of the retirees furiously attacked another female driver in the road with. Also, the insurance claims can be invalidated if the pets are not securely tied in the car.

The Ford survey found that 29 percent said their dog "did not like being tied" or that he had crashed while driving, while 25 percent said it did not make sense on a short trip. Another 17 percent said they could not place a dog cage, known as one of the safest ways to transport pets, into their car.

Ford commissioned the study following the development of all new Focus estate, which was designed to accommodate the largest dog create possible, which could even carry the Irish Wolfhound, the longest dog breed in the world.

The focus was a labor of the love jobs for Ford engineer René Berns, who acquired the helped of Emile, his Australian Shepherd, to ensure that the largest crate was possible.
"Most people will be full of heartbroken if something happens to their beloved dog, and no one is expected to crash," he said.

"But it is important, for the benefit of all, to take all safety precautions when moving the legs of our four friends."

 "I know what it means for me to be able to take Emile with me wherever I go, and I am proud he has helped make that easier for other dog and their pets to travel safely and comfortably."

The study also found that 35 percent of dog owners are distracted by their pet when they are meant to pay attention to the road. A 37% of drivers who do not restrain their dogs allow their pets to stick their heads out the window while in motion.

Incredibly, 10 of the interrogators were horrified when their dog jumped through an open window while driving: with six out of 10 pets being injured or even in some cases died.

Graeme Hall, a dog trainer, said: "If you have a pet, think about its safety the way you would any other member of the family.

"I always carry my dog Lily in the boot in its cage, she can move easily and is safe for everyone, I think this is the best solution."

The study also found that almost a quarter has their dog barked loudly and unexpectedly while driving and one in 20 people have had their dog turn their car to a mobile toilet while on the road.

One in four dog owners admitted that they had thought about the fact that driving with their dog unsecured could endanger their lives, but do it anyway.

And a tenth has had a near miss while driving because of their dog distracted them while it was not tied in the car, according to research conducted through OnePoll.

But the British will want to drive 40 miles with a dog loose in their car, being most likely to place it on the back seat before being allowed to roam freely.