Motorists warned driving with their pet could land them a £5,000 fine if they don’t follow rule
Dog owners have been warned they could be fined up to £5,000 for breaking little-known driving rules.
More than a third of British motorists who own dogs are unaware of the provision of the road rules, a survey has found.
Under Rule 57, drivers must ensure that their dog is secured in a vehicle using a harness, dog carrier, dog cage or dog guard.
This is so they cannot distract someone while driving or injure the driver or themselves in a sudden stop.
The rule reads, “Make sure dogs or other animals in a vehicle are properly restrained so they can’t distract you while driving or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly.”
If a motorist causes an accident because he is distracted by his dog, he could be slapped with an eye-watering fine of £5,000 for careless driving.
It is vital that drivers find appropriate harnesses and pet guards – whichever way their dog responds best – and use them for every trip, no matter how far they travel (File Image)
The survey found that nearly 25% of dog-owned drivers said they don’t tie their dogs down while traveling (File image)
Since dogs are easily distracted by things happening outside the car, their reactions can distract the driver, causing traffic accidents (File image)
More than seven million of the UK’s estimated 10.2 million dog owners travel with their pet in their car at least once a week.
That is why it is important that motorists keep abreast of the information in the highway code, especially if they are traveling with a pet in the car.
And research by car marketplace Car trader has found that 34% of UK car owners who own dogs have no idea of this important rule.
Most shockingly, the survey found that nearly 25% of dog owner drivers said they don’t secure their dogs while traveling.
Of those who claim to be aware of the highway code requirements for driving your pet, only 56% of people knew the correct rules.
And of the 44% who gave a wrong answer, the majority thought Rule 57 either prevented dogs from traveling in the front seat or did not allow pets to stick their heads out the window.
The survey, conducted as part of the Canine Car Report, also found that nearly a quarter of drivers with dogs do not restrain their dogs in a harness or cage.
Most shockingly, in addition, 62% of drivers admitted that they were not properly covered by their insurance company, or did not even know whether or not they had insurance.
Erin Baker, Editorial Director of Auto Trader, urged drivers to find the best restraint for their dog and use it for every ride.
He said: ‘It is so important that motorists who take their dogs in the car are aware of the requirements of the traffic regulations to properly restrain their pets.
“Because our dogs are easily distracted by things going on outside the car, their reactions can lead to driver distraction, which can cause traffic accidents.
“This not only puts your pet at risk, but you, your vehicle and others on the road.
“It’s vital that drivers find appropriate harnesses and pet guards — whichever way their dog responds best — and use them for every trip, no matter how far they travel.”
Since dogs are easily distracted by things happening outside the car, their reactions can distract the driver, which can cause traffic accidents.
Highway code says dogs must be restrained appropriately so they don’t distract the driver and prevent injury in a sudden stop.
Yet more than 44 per cent are unaware of laws around traveling with a dog in the car, which can lead to a fine of up to £5,000 and void insurance for failing to secure their pet safely while driving, according to a study by Skoda UK.
Seven in 10 drivers said they drove more carefully with their dog in the car, although nearly a quarter said it made them more stressed.
It’s vital that drivers find appropriate harnesses and pet guards – whichever way their dog responds best – and use them for every journey, no matter how far they travel.
The research, along with Adam Spivey, Director and Master Trainer at Southend Dog Training, said that for your dog’s safety, your own safety and the safety of others, it is of the utmost importance to properly harness your dog. keep in your car.
Adam Spivey, director and head trainer at Southend Dog Training, said all drivers should at least “use a very secure seat belt attachment for your dog” (File image)
He said if your dog is “improperly restrained” when you get into a crash or have to slam on the brakes, your dog will “behave like a projectile that could result in a horrible scenario.”
That’s why Mr Spivey said all drivers should at least ‘use a very secure seat belt attachment for your dog’.
The expert explained: ‘The reality is if you have a crash or have to slam on the brakes hard and the dog is not properly restrained, your dog is going to act like a projectile which can result in a horrible scenario and can even lead to fatalities.
‘We understand the safety requirements of a baby well seated in a car; we need to understand that the same goes for dogs as well.
“A crash-tested impact crate is the safest way for a dog to travel, it’s something you see the police using with their dogs. If for any reason you can’t, then at the very least you should use a very secure seat belt attachment for your dog.”
Other traffic rules determine what motorists are allowed to do when they are on the road with their pets.
For example, Article 56 states that motorists may not leave a dog alone on the road.
He must be kept on a short leash when walking on sidewalks, roads, or trails shared with cyclists or horse riders.
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