Highly Distracting passengers
Many people regularly bring their pets along for short car rides or even longer trips. According to CBS News, an American Automobile Association survey found that 38 percent of drivers bring their pets on road trips. However, a significant 37 percent of drivers report that they never restrain their pets during car trips. This finding is troubling, given the risk that unrestrained pets will distract their owners or act as projectiles during any
motor vehicle accidents that do occur.
The actual level of distraction that owners report as a result of their pets is even more troubling. In the same survey, 13 percent of respondents admitted that their pets distracted them from driving. A surprising number of drivers also stated that they engaged in the following potentially dangerous activities while driving:
- 17 percent of drivers reported petting their animals.
- 13 percent of drivers confessed to giving their pets food or water.
- 12 percent of drivers admitted to taking photographs of their pets.
According to KSL News, in a similar survey released in 2014, over one-fifth of respondents admitted to taking one or both hands off the wheel to attend to their pets. The same source notes that this tendency and the unpredictable nature of animals make leaving them loose in cars inherently dangerous. When pets act erratically and distract drivers at the wrong moment, serious accidents may result.
Attempted legal initiatives
Earlier this year, state lawmakers considered a bill that aimed to address this under appreciated threat to roadway safety. According to CBS News, the legislation prohibited people from driving with pets sitting on their laps, and it allowed for charges of distracted driving in the event of violations. However, the legislation did not progress.
In other states, including Hawaii and New Jersey, comparable measures have passed into law. Therefore, similar legislation or even stricter measures may succeed in the future in Connecticut. In the meantime, though, the risk of
distracted driving accidents that involve this unusual source of distraction may remain significant.
Potential legal remedies
If a driver causes an accident because they were distracted, they may have to pay for the damages, even if what distracted them isn’t against the law. If you’ve been hurt because of a careless driver, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer. They can help you understand your options and get the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.
