Nearly half of Canadians admit to driving with their pets unrestrained – Allstate Canada

A recent survey commissioned by Allstate Insurance Company of Canada has shed light on an alarming trend involving Canadian drivers and their pets.

Nearly half (47%) of Canadians surveyed admitted to driving while their pets were unrestrained inside their vehicles, according to Allstate. Twenty percent said they allowed their pets to move freely in the backseat. A small percentage (6%) of drivers also admitted to keeping their pets on their laps as they drive.

Allstate has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the safety risks posed by such practices.

Like humans, pets can be caught off guard by sudden braking or emergency maneuvers that can result in serious injuries, the insurer said in a press release. They can also injure themselves and other passengers in the event of a collision, as well as hinder first responders attempting to aid accident victims.

Allstate’s survey showed that 38% of respondents have plans to take their pets on road trips lasting at least an hour this summer. This same group was found to be among those who are most likely to leave their pets unrestrained, along with men (56%), individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 (57%), and dog owners (60%).

“Many Canadians affectionately refer to themselves as pet parents, which is an example of how much they care about the furry members of the family,” said Gene Myles, agency manager at Allstate.

“But what we are seeing in this survey tells a bit of a different story and illustrates how much room for improvement there is to keep all vehicle occupants – both two-and four-legged – safe from possible harm.”

Pets travel frequently by car

Allstate’s survey also provided insight into how frequently Canadians travel with pets in their car.

A quarter of respondents (25%) said they travel with a pet at least once per week, while 22% said they have their pets with them while driving for a couple times per month.

Additionally, 35% said they ride with their pet only once or twice per year and 18% revealed they never bring their animal in their car.

Among respondents who travel with their pets in vehicles at least once a year, 49% said their pets are typically restrained during travel. This includes the use of crates or carriers (32%), harnesses that attach to seatbelts (13%), or pet-specific seat belts or car seats (5%).

Safety tips for driving with pets

Allstate outlined the following car safety tips as part of its campaign to promote safer pet transportation:

• Secure your pet properly: Use a secure and well-ventilated carrier or specially designed pet seat belts or harnesses.
• Ensure proper fastening: Make sure carriers are securely fastened or that your pet’s harness is connected to the vehicle’s seat belt system to prevent movement or falling during sudden stops.
• Acclimate your pet to car travel: Gradually introduce your pet to car travel by starting with short trips and gradually increasing the duration to help them adjust.
• Verify your pet’s health and vaccination status: Ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel and up to date on vaccinations, bringing along any necessary documentation.
• Never leave pets in hot cars: Avoid leaving pets alone in parked cars, as temperatures can rise quickly and pose serious health risks.

“Ensuring every person buckles their seatbelt is an incredibly important safety measure in a vehicle, and taking extra precautions for our beloved pets should be an extension of that commitment to safety,” said Myles.

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