Are you planning a road trip with your furry best friend? While driving with pets can be a joyful experience, it also comes with serious safety risks that many pet parents in California may overlook.
Whether a dog in a car blocking your view or an excited pup jumping into the passenger seat, these seemingly harmless moments can lead to dangerous outcomes. Even a brief distraction behind the wheel can result in a devastating motor vehicle accident.
In this post, we explore how pets contribute to distracted driving and how to keep everyone—humans and animals—safe.
How Pets Become a Driving Hazard
It’s easy to think of pets as calming companions during long drives, but unrestrained animals can easily become unpredictable distractions. A dog in a car may shift around, bark suddenly, or try to climb onto your lap, obstructing your view or interfering with vehicle controls.
A study found that older adults who always drive with a pet in the car are nearly twice as likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident as those who don’t. While occasional pet passengers didn’t show increased crash risk, the data highlights how consistent pet-related distractions can compromise driver focus and safety.
California law doesn’t specifically ban pets from being loose in the car, but drivers can still be cited if an unrestrained pet causes erratic driving or contributes to a crash. In these situations, the at-fault driver may face personal injury claims, particularly if someone suffers bodily injury or property damage.
Safe Driving with Pets: Tips for Responsible Pet Parents
To prevent pet-related distractions, follow these essential safety tips:
- Use a seat belt harness or secured crate: Just like people, pets should be restrained. A seat belt harness or crash-tested crate can keep your pet safe and reduce distractions.
- Avoid letting pets sit in your lap or passenger seat: The front seat is not a safe location for pets. Airbags can injure animals, and sudden movements can cause them to block your vision or interfere with driving.
- Plan rest stops: Schedule breaks every 2–3 hours on your road trip for bathroom, water, and exercise breaks to keep pets calm and content.
- Don’t leave pets alone in the car: This not only endangers your pet, especially in hot weather but can also result in fines or animal neglect charges in California.
- Train and prepare your pet: If your pet isn’t used to car rides, practice with short trips before any long-distance travel. Service animals should also be well-trained for safe driving conditions.
Understanding Liability in Pet-Related Accidents
The legal consequences can be serious when a pet causes or contributes to a crash. In California, driving with pets without proper restraint can increase the risk of distraction.
If a driver fails to keep their animal under control and an accident occurs, they could be liable for negligence. This may lead to an accident claim involving medical bills, lost wages, or even long-term care if the victim suffers traumatic brain injuries or another severe injury.
Pet-related auto accidents aren’t just dangerous—they’re legally complex. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or minimize payouts, so accident victims should speak with car accident lawyers in Bakersfield as soon as possible.
At Farahi Law Firm, we’ve represented many clients involved in collisions where distractions played a central role. Our experience helps clients fight for maximum compensation while navigating the legal aftermath with clarity and confidence.
What to Do if You’ve Been in a Pet-Related Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash where a pet played a role, it’s essential to act quickly:
- Get medical attention for any bodily injury
- Document the scene, including pet behavior, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands these unique cases
Our team in Bakersfield at Farahi Law Firm offers a free consultation to help you understand your rights. Whether you’re a concerned pet parent or someone injured due to another’s negligence, we’re here to support you.
Protect What Matters—On the Road and in Court
Driving with pets doesn’t have to mean choosing between companionship and safety. You can ensure a smoother, safer journey for everyone in the vehicle with a few precautions. When accidents happen due to distractions, seeking legal assistance becomes crucial.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pet-related accident, let our compassionate team of car accident lawyers in Bakersfield help. We specialize in securing the support and compensation our clients deserve. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today—because you and your furbaby deserve to ride safely.
This post is part of our ongoing series on distracted driving in California—explore more to stay informed and protect yourself on the road.
