Driver warning: Your dog could be your most dangerous passenger

Seven million people in the UK travel with their dog in the car at least once a week. Seen as an integral part of the family, pups are now regular passengers and their safety and that of other road users needs to be a priority.

But many drivers are unaware of the dangers of travelling with pets. Dogs by nature can be excitable, causing distractions and obstructions in the vehicle. It’s important drivers research the safest way for the whole family to travel.

Pet insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have researched five key dog dangers for drivers and how to avoid costly penalties.

From blocking views to harmful habits and lack of seatbelts, the study shows the top ways dogs can become a hazard on the road - some of which carry fines of up to £5,000.

Five Key Dog Dangers for Drivers

Wrong seatbelt – dogs need to be properly restrained, according to Rule 57 of the Highway Code, if not they could cause injury during a collision or act as a distraction, leading to fines of up to £5,000 – it could also invalidate your car insurance if the unstrained pet leads to an accident.

Which seat – dogs sat on your lap while driving can easily cause a distraction and lead to a careless or dangerous driving charge, potentially carrying 3-11 penalty points, an unlimited fine, a driving ban and even prison time, depending upon the severity. Airbags should also be deactivated if your dog has to sit in the front seat but it is sensible to have them in the back or boot with the appropriate restraint.

Blocked visibility – where your dog is restrained must not be blocking your view of the road, if a driver can’t see out clearly it could lead to 3 penalty points and fines of up to £1,000.

Bad habits – dogs love to hang their heads out of the window to take in all the passing smells but it’s actually dangerous and bad for the dog’s health – vets warn of eye issues with flying debris and the risk of hitting a passing object.

Left alone – dogs left in hot or unsafely parked cars could see drivers charged with animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 – resulting in fines or in extreme cases, imprisonment. Temperatures in cars can soar quickly and there’s a risk of accidents if the car is parked somewhere unsuitable.

Best practice is to keep pets out of the front seat, use a pet harness, carrier or boot guard, take regular breaks to make sure pets are cool, calm and not in need of water or a toilet break.

Travelling can be quite stressful for pups, so it’s important to have a clear journey plan so they won’t be left unattended in the vehicle and have the opportunity to stop and stretch their legs – bringing a portable water bottle and snacks is sensible, especially for longer trips.

Car insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, Ian Wilson, said: “It’s important that pet owners brush up on the rules of the road and know how to keep their pups safe and comfortable in the car.

“Post covid and with Brexit making it trickier to take your dog to Europe, there has been a spike in demand for dog friendly cafes and hotels in the UK, coined as the holi-dog boom, making it far more feasible for pets to travel with their families, creating a surge in the number of pups found travelling in the car day to day.

“Drivers just need to be wary of the rules and make sure their vehicle is set up for safe and stress-free travelling, with appropriate seats, seatbelts and regular stops.

“Dogs can be excitable passengers but by adhering to the rules, drivers can reduce the risk of injury, financial penalties and help ensure their car insurance policy remains intact.”

Tiger.co.uk can help animal lovers hunt for savings on their car and pet insurance, with puppy, older dog and multi pet insurance.