Over the last few years, there have been a number of well-publicised cases of death or serious injury of road users due to drivers distracted by unrestrained. Most of these have resulted in jail sentences for the driver.
- In 2020 driver Louis Bond, 24, drove through a red light and hit an elderly pedestrian after his dog distracted him by jumping onto the car’s front seat. He caused a bleed to her brain, two broken legs, and a broken shoulder. The pensioner spent 3 months in hospital and was left unable to walk without a frame. He was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for 2 years after his release.
- In 2022, driver Richard Clarke, 37, hit a 77-year-old woman and her 80-year-old husband after his Weimaraner started to move around in the back of his vehicle. The lady died later in hospital and her husband suffered severe injuries. Richard was jailed for 24 weeks with a 64-week driving ban after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving.
- In 2017, 21-year-old Billy Dunn hit and killed a 95-year-old pedestrian. He stated at the scene that the accident occurred seconds after his dog, who was sitting on the passenger seat, tried to get onto his lap, but later changed his story, claiming it was due to glare from the sun. Due to various other facts related to the case, he was found not guilty.
These are just some of the examples of cases where the driver’s simple decision not to restrain the dog on that day led to deaths and many wrecked lives. Even the best-behaved pets can be unpredictable in certain circumstances, and it is ALWAYS safer to keep them safely restrained.
Our focus has always been to keep people, pets, and other road users safe by raising public awareness of the consequences of not restraining dogs and other animals in vehicles while traveling. As well as the horrific consequences such as those described above, not restraining your dog when you travel could result in:
- A conviction of dangerous driving if involved in an accident.
- Your car and pet insurance could be invalidated.
- A fine of up to £5,000.
- A requirement to retake your test.
- A driving ban.
- 9 penalty points on your driving license.
And don’t forget the safety of your pet. Unrestrained dogs can be thrown through windscreens and end up running about, terrified, in traffic.
DON’T RISK IT!
Our crash-tested crates are proven to protect people and their pets in accidents and ensure that you won’t be distracted by any of the perfectly natural behaviours that your dog might display while you are driving. We have a range of options from dog guards to tailgate guards and crates, all crash tested. Visit our model selector to find out which crates or guards could fit your vehicle.
