Pets and Air Bags: The Cost and Danger of Obstructed Driving

Our lap dog loves to go for car rides! She's generous too because you are more than welcome to sit underneath her in the right front seat. The trouble is, this is definitely not a good place for pets to ride in the car today.

Pets and Air Bags Do Not Mix

Hopefully we've learned that airbags and children don't go together, but have we stopped to consider our pets? Air bags are designed to restrain large people and according to veterinarians will do significant damage to a pet, perhaps to the point of killing them outright.

They will also be thrown around the interior of the vehicle like a projectile, unless something stops them. That something stopping your pet might be you or a member of your family.

Remember that airbags deploy at speeds reaching 300 km/h. Now imagine how much it will hurt when that pet smashes into you.

That's not a pretty picture, is it?

The Legal Cost of Lap Driving

Never allow your pet to sit in your lap while you are driving! Beyond the severe risk of injury, doing so is an explicit violation of British Columbia traffic laws. Police officers issue tickets to drivers with lap pets under Section 195(1)(a) of the Motor Vehicle Act.

This section strictly prohibits operating a vehicle when the driver's control over the driving mechanisms is obstructed. A traffic ticket for a violation of this type costs a $109 fine and 3 penalty points.

Best Places for Pets to Ride

The best place for your pet is the same as for your child, the centre of the rear seat away from front and side airbags. They can also ride in the cargo area if your vehicle has one.

Securing your pet in the back also protects emergency personnel. Following a collision, a terrified or injured dog often turns aggressive out of fear. A loose, defensive animal inside the cabin can actively prevent paramedics, firefighters, and police from safely reaching you to deliver life-saving medical aid.

Restraints for Pets

You can choose to restrain your pet with a proper harness. The trouble is, pet accessories are not regulated in Canada so there are no specific rules about restraints.

According to the Center for Pet Safety, few harnesses are effective in properly restraining your pet. If they are tested at all, the test is conducted in the same manner as child restraints and this may not be appropriate for pets. Many low-quality tethers break instantly or stretch so far under crash forces that the animal still collides with the dashboard.

Consider a Crate

The Canadian Automobile Association and ICBC recommend securing your pet in a crate for travel. According to them, the crate is a better choice than a harness.

However, the crate itself must be structurally sound and anchored firmly to the vehicle using a seatbelt or cargo straps. An unfastened pet carrier will simply become a heavy projectile in a collision, endangering everyone inside the cabin.

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