According to data from the DGT, more than half of drivers live in risky situations due to not carrying animals properly secured in vehicles. And it is that, one in five travelers takes their pet without any protection system. Although 87% use restraint systems, 11% place the animal in the trunk, separated from the occupants, but without restraint, protection, or a separating net, and 1% carry the animal loose in the vehicle or in the arms of a occupant. The latter, in addition to being very dangerous, can involve a penalty of up to 100 euros.
I have a dog, how do I transport it by car?
Although, of the pet-owning drivers, 50% do not know the regulations that regulate their transportAccording to the DGT, when traveling with animals inside the vehicle, a series of indications must be taken into account.
Traffic regulations dictate that animals must be securely fastened to the vehicle to prevent them from interfering with driving. To do this, “will be placed a separator that prevents it from causing discomfort or being the cause of distractions“, as stipulated in the instructions of the General Directorate of Traffic.
Car Net for Dogs, Cats Separator Car, with Adjustable Safety Belt for Pets
In the event of an accident, a loose dog multiplies the dangers, since it would be thrown out and could injure itself or the rest of the passengers. And they give us an example: a 5 kg dog, in an accident at 60 km / h, multiplies its weight by 56 due to inertia, and it shoots out with an equivalent weight of 280 kilograms. So, in addition to the separator, it is advisable to use retention systems for pets.
What restraint system to choose to travel with your dog by car
You should never hold the animal with its leash, since it is not a restraint system and poses a significant risk of injury, both for him and for the rest of the occupants. There are several fastening systems available to be incorporated into the vehicle: From harnesses with one or two anchors, to carriers on the floor or in the trunk, passing through rigid grids for the trunk.
The choice of one or the other depends on the size. In general, the best way to carry small dogs It is in its carrier on the floor of the vehicle. If the pet is big, it is best to place the carrier in the boot transverse to the direction of travel. Preferably, in this case, for greater safety, combine this system with the dividing grille.
This is what the DGT says about the safety they offer in the event of an accident each of the systems:
Single hook harness
This harness clips onto the vehicle’s seat belt. In the event of a collision, the harness buckle breaks. The animal collides with the back of the seat, causing serious spinal injuries to the driver. The animal would suffer serious or fatal injuries.
Harness with two hooks
The harness prevents forward movement, therefore no load is transmitted to the driver. To prevent the pet from colliding with the seats (with consequences that would be very serious), must have a short union system.
SlowTon Dog Car Harness with Connector Leash, Multifunction Adjustable Double Breathable Mesh Fabric Travel Vest Harness with Seat Belt
Carrier placed on the floor of the vehicle
Small carriers fit well on the floor. As they have little space, the energy of the impact is absorbed quickly and the interior of the animal is hardly deformed, which only suffers minor injuries.
FEANDREA Dog Carrier, Dog Bag, 70 x 52 x 52 cm, Dark Blue
Carrier in the trunk
When the animal is larger and the carrier can therefore also be placed in the boot transversely to the direction of travel. The possibility of injury to rear seat occupants cannot be excluded..
Mobiclinic, Balú, Pet Carrier, Carrier for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Portable and Breathable Carrier, Size L, Supports 15 kg, 70×52.5×50 cm, Foldable, Gray
Traveling with the carrier on the seat, putting the seat belt on it, is not highly recommended since, in the event of an accident, the carrier destroys the belt attachment points. In addition, its upper part is broken. The animal suffers very serious injuries and the occupants of the vehicle bear significant loads.
Likewise, leaving a grid placed between the pillars of the car structure, separating the cabin from the trunk, allows the pet to move freely without disturbing the driver, but in the event of a collision and depending on the position of the animal at that time, can be seriously injured. For this reason it is better to combine the carrier with the dividing grid.
Sakura SS5259 – Dog Car Barrier, for Headrest, Easy Installation in Most Vehicles, Adjustable Height and Width, No Tools Required
Other recommendations for traveling with dogs by car
It is recommended to stop every two hours, so the animal can urinate or defecate, walk and hydrate. At rest stops we must take special care to control the animal since, when opening the trunk or the door of the vehicle, the animal can run away and cause an incident. Also, never leave the animal inside the vehicle with high temperatures. Not even in a shaded area or with the windows open.
If the animal has a tendency to get dizzy, it is preferable do not give him food or drink in the hours before the trip. At the stops we can take advantage to drink. Finally, remember to monitor the temperature of the vehicle and make sure there is adequate ventilation at all times.
Photos | unsplash