• In the last five years almost a fifth of dog owners, who do not restrain their animal in the car, have had an accident while driving with their pet
  
• Is it time to ban dogs putting their heads out of car windows? More than a quarter (28 per cent) of dogs hanging their heads out of a moving vehicle have been injured
• It is a legal requirement to keep animals secure while driving to prevent any unnecessary distractions and potential risk to others on the road

Dog owners are risking hefty fines by leaving their dogs unsecured in the car while driving, according to new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance.¹ Two-fifths (40 per cent) of owners who drive with their dog do not always keep them secure and 15 per cent never do so.

The Highway Code states that when in a vehicle, all dogs or animals must be suitably restrained so that they cannot distract or injure the driver.² Some of the main issues or distractions caused by dogs include the driver having to take their eyes off the road, reducing the ability to steer accurately, or blocking visibility of the road.

Almost half (47 per cent) of dog owners allow their animal to stick their head out the window on car journeys, with over a quarter (28 per cent) sadly suffering an injury as a result. Allowing dogs to put their head out of a moving vehicle can be incredibly dangerous, they could be hit by a passing car or suffer cuts from flying debris.  Even small pieces of dirt or bugs can get in their eyes, causing significant damage especially if driving a high speed.

In the last five years, almost a fifth of owners who drive with their dog (18 per cent) have had an accident while driving with their dog in the vehicle, and 10 per cent of these stated their pet was injured as a result. While breaking the Highway Code does not carry a direct penalty, if you are deemed to be distracted and cause careless driving, you could be fined up to £200 on a ‘fixed penalty notice’³ by the police, and depending on the severity, up to nine penalty points on a driver’s licence. Careless driving penalty points must stay on driving records for four years from the data of the offence.⁴

Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance comments: “Securing your dog helps to prevent injuries or avoidable distractions. While it may be tempting to have your beloved pooch enjoy the ride in the front seat or freely in the car, dogs should always be secured whether that is using a seat belt, dog guard or pet carrier, and usually keeping them in the backseat or boot.

“It is really important that owners are looking out for their pet’s wellbeing, as well as other road users.   Securing dogs and other animals properly can help prevent injury, potential collisions and keep attention onto the roads.”

Direct Line is urging all owners to always secure their dog or pet when driving to prevent distractions, as well as for the pet’s wellbeing and other road users’ safety.   Of those who say they always secure their dog while driving (60 per cent), seat belt harnesses (44 per cent), dog guards (23 per cent), or a pet carrier (18 per cent) are some of the most popular methods.

Direct Line Pet Insurance provides these tips to help protect their pets while driving:

·         Seat belt harnesses, dog guards and pet carriers are all great options for securing your dogs in the car – think carefully however about the option that works best for your dog, your vehicle, and the driver

o   For example, pet carriers work well for smaller dogs, they are light weight and portable. Where a larger dog may benefit from freedom of the boot using a metal boot guard

·         Dogs should ideally be restrained on the back seats or in the boot. If you do have to use the front seat, ensure you take extra care that they do not distract the driver and potentially other road users

·         Get your dog used to being restrained to ensure safe travelling in the car by starting out with small regular journeys and ideally from a young age – you can reward good behaviour with a treat or their favourite game

·         Nervous dogs are often better in a pet carrier/crate as gives them a sense of safety, you can also give them their favourite toy or a blanket

·         If on long journeys ensure to take a break every two hours to give them a comfort break, an opportunity for a drink and to stretch their legs

·         Speak to your vets if you have any concerns over car sickness

-          ENDS -

Notes to Editors 

¹     Research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults by Opinium between 9^th – 12^th August 2022

²     The Highway Code Rules 47-58: rules about animals, including horse-drawn vehicles, horse riders and other animals: Highway Code Rule 57

³     Motoring offences being stopped by the police, https://www.gov.uk/stopped-by-police-while-driving-your-rights/minor-motoring-offences

⁴     Penalty points on careless driving CD10-CD33, https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/endorsement-codes-and-penalty-points

 

For further information please contact:

Ewan Robertson
Head of News and Issues  

Email: [email protected] 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.  

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting https://www.directline.com/products/pet-insurance