According to the McClatchy-Tribune, a survey of dog owners by AAA found that 80 percent of them regularly take their dogs on a variety of car trips, and two-thirds of them regularly play with their pets behind the wheel. Just 17 percent of respondents used a pet-restraint system. Just a two second distraction doubles the risk of being in a crash.
"As about 40 percent of Americans own dogs. We see this as an increasingly big problem," Beth Mosher, a regional spokeswoman for AAA told the paper.
In the event of a crash, pets also aren't well protected, the paper reports, because air bags aren't designed to protect them. So any families taking their pets with them while moving should take steps to restrain and protect them.
It can also be helpful to do some research on behalf of the family pet before the move. Before getting to the area, it's important to find information on area veterinarians should pets need attention before the family is settled.
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