AAA/Kurgo survey examines distractions posed by canine car companions.
AAA also announces “Tails from the Road” Facebook photo contest.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 – For Immediate Release – A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo, a maker of pet travel products, has found that 56 percent of respondents have driven with their dog at least once a month in the past year and that many of these drivers do things that take their attention away from the road. Fifty-two percent say they have petted their dog, 23 percent have used their hands or arms to hold their dog in place while applying brakes, and 19 percent say they have used their hands or arms to keep their dog from climbing into the front seat while driving.

Other distracting behaviors drivers admitted to include reaching into the back seat to interact with their dog (18 percent), allowing their dog to sit in their lap or holding their dog (17 percent), and giving their dog food or treats (13 percent). Three percent even confided to survey takers that they have taken a photo of their dog while driving.

These behaviors can distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.

Drivers admit dangers of unrestrained pets, but most are not using a pet restraint
Eighty-three percent of respondents acknowledge that an unrestrained dog in a moving car can be dangerous but only 16 percent use a pet restraint. Use of a restraint is three times greater, however, among drivers who have heard of situations where unrestrained dogs were injured or caused injury to other passengers in a car crash (32 percent) compared to respondents who were not aware of such a situation and still use a restraint (9 percent). Using a pet restraint can aid in limiting distractions and help protect pets and passengers.

“It’s sometimes a hassle but drivers really should use a pet restraint system every time the pet is in the vehicle,” said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert roughly 300 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of pressure. Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in its path. Restraints not only limit distractions, but also protect you, your pet and other passengers in the event of a crash or sudden stop.”

Calm dogs and lack of awareness top reasons for not using a pet restraint
More than two in five (42 percent) survey respondents stated they do not use a pet restraint because their dog is calm and they do not think he/she needs a restraint. Other reasons cited for not using a restraint include: never considered it (39 percent); just take dog on short trips (29 percent); and 12 percent want their dog to be able to put its head out the window.

Eighteen percent of respondents who drive with a dog in the vehicle also have children under the age of 13 who ride with them. Seven in 10 of these motorists have driven with a child and an unrestrained dog in the vehicle at the same time.

AAA is also announcing a contest for fans of AAA’s page on Facebook (Facebook.com/AAAfanpage). Online Facebook users can enter the AAA/Kurgo “Tails from the Road” photo contest. Prizes include a pet travel package including Kurgo pet gear, a copy of Traveling with your Pet: The AAA PetBook and a Best Western Travel Card usable at more than 1,600 pet-friendly properties worldwide. To enter, dog owners should upload a photo of their furry friend that depicts the excitement their dog shows prior to getting ready to take a ride in a vehicle. Entries must be received by August 7. Any Facebook user may vote for a winning photo via the AAA/Kurgo “Tails from the Road” custom Facebook tab between August 8 and August 21, 2011.

The AAA/Kurgo survey was conducted online among a sample of 1,000 dog owners who have driven with their dog in past 12 months. The study results have an average statistical error of +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

AAA Oklahoma serves 350,000 members across Oklahoma with emergency help on the road, auto travel assistance and a wide range of personal insurance, travel, financial and automotive services through its 40 retail branches, regional operations center and online at AAA.com.

AAA news releases, high-resolution images, broadcast-quality video and fact sheets are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.

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