Dog owners have been warned they could be fined up to £5,000 for breaking little-known rules of conduct.
More than a third of UK drivers who own dogs are unaware of the road traffic stipulation, according to a survey.
According to Rule 57, drivers must ensure their dog is restrained in a vehicle using a harness, pet carrier, crate or dog guard .
This is so that they cannot distract someone while driving or injure the driver, or themselves, in the event of a sudden stop.
The rule states: “When you are in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are properly restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure or injure you if you stop quickly.”
If a motorist causes an accident because they are distracted by their dog, they could be slapped with a whopping £5,000 fine for reckless driving.
It’s essential that drivers find the right pet harnesses and protectors – whatever restraint their dog responds to best – and use them for every trip, no matter how far (file image)
The survey found nearly 25% of dog-owning drivers said they don’t restrain their dogs when traveling (file image)
As dogs can easily be distracted by things happening outside the car, their reactions can distract the driver which can lead to traffic accidents (file image)
More than seven million of the estimated 10.2 million dog owners in the UK travel with their pet in the car at least once a week.
It is therefore important for drivers to familiarize themselves with traffic law information, especially if they are traveling with a pet in the car.
And an Auto Trader car market study found that 34% of UK motorists who own dogs have no idea about this important rule.
The survey shockingly revealed that nearly 25% of dog-owning drivers said they did not restrain their dogs when traveling.
Of those who claim to be up-to-date on traffic law requirements for driving with a pet, only 56% of people knew the correct rules.
And of the 44% who answered incorrectly, the majority thought Rule 57 prevented dogs from traveling in the front seat or prohibited animals from sticking their heads out of windows.
The survey, carried out as part of its Canine Car Report, also found that nearly a quarter of drivers with dogs do not restrain their dog in a harness or crate.
More shockingly, on top of that, 62% of drivers admitted they weren’t properly covered by their insurer or didn’t even know if they were insured or not.
Erin Baker, editorial director of Auto Trader, urged drivers to find the best restraint for their dog and use it for every trip.
He said: ‘It’s so important that drivers who take their dogs in the car are aware of the traffic law requirements to properly restrain their pets.
“As our dogs can easily be distracted by things happening outside the car, their reactions can lead to driver distraction, which can lead to traffic accidents.”
“This not only puts your pet at risk, but also yourself, your vehicle and others on the road.
“It’s critical that drivers find the right pet harnesses and protectors – whatever restraint their dog responds to best – and use them for every trip, no matter how far.”
Since dogs can easily be distracted by things happening outside the car, their reactions can distract the driver, which can lead to traffic accidents.
Traffic laws state that dogs must be properly restrained so as not to distract the driver and to prevent injury in the event of a sudden stop.
Yet more than 44% are unaware of the laws on traveling with a dog in the car, which can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and invalidating insurance for not securing their pet in safe while driving, according to a Skoda UK survey.
Seven in ten drivers said they drove more carefully with their dog in the car, although almost a quarter said it made them feel more stressed.
It’s essential that drivers find the right pet harnesses and protectors – whatever restraint their dog responds best to – and use them for every trip, no matter how far they travel.
Research worked with Adam Spivey, manager and master trainer at Southend Dog Training, said that for your dog’s safety, your own safety and the safety of others, keeping your dog properly restrained in your car is of the utmost importance .
Adam Spivey, manager and master trainer at Southend Dog Training, said all handlers, at the very least, ‘should use a very secure seat belt for your dog’ (file image)
He said if your dog “isn’t properly” restrained if you have an accident or have to slam the brakes, then your dog “is going to act like a projectile that could lead to a horrible scenario”.
Therefore, Mr Spivey said all drivers, at the very least, “must use a very secure seat belt tether for your dog”.
The expert explained: “The reality is that if you have an accident or have to hit the brakes and the dog is not properly restrained, your dog is going to act like a projectile which could lead to a horrific scenario. , even causing death.
“We understand the safety rules of a baby properly seated in a car; we must understand that the same is true for dogs.
“A crash tested impact crate is the safest way for any dog to travel, it’s something the police use with their dogs. However, if you can’t for some reason, you should at least use a very secure seat belt for your dog.
Other traffic rules dictate what drivers can do while on the road with their pets.
For example, Rule 56 states that drivers should not let a dog out on the road alone.
He must be kept on a short leash when walking on the sidewalk, road or shared path with cyclists or equestrians.
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