(PRESS RELEASE) ALLIANCE, OH — Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents in the U.S., yet 65% of dog owners admit to having driven while distracted by their pets. Not only are dog owners driving distracted: According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), they’re also not using proper safety restraints, with just 30% saying they harness their dogs while driving.
It’s a scenario Coastal Pet, the leading US-based manufacturer and distributor of pet products, would like to see eliminated. To achieve this, the company has launched Paws to Click, a Bergan by Coastal Initiative.
“Coastal Pet knows that protecting our loved ones is a top priority, and for those of us with pets, that includes our furry best friends. Whether we’re making a visit to the vet, a quick run to the store, or a road trip across town, restraining our dogs in the car is an important step in preventing accidents”, said Coastal Pet President, Kim Stout.
The mission of Paws to Click is to provide pet owners with the best information and tips they can use to keep their families and pets safe during any road trip. Those who take the “pledge” agree to tell their friends and family about pet safety.
To help spread the word, Coastal Pet has created a Paws to Click infographic with statistics and advice in an easily shareable format for people to use on their social media and for retail owners to display in stores. (Check here)
Keeping dogs restrained, prevents them from interfering with their owners’ ability to drive; prevents falls or injuries due to sudden stops; and potentially saves lives — human and canine alike – if there’s an accident.
If you’re going to be in the car with your dog, here are Coastal Pet’s top tips to keep everyone safe:
- Restrain your pet in the back seat with a harness (recommended for larger dogs) or a carrier (recommended for smaller dogs and cats).
- Use crash-tested restraint products for superior safety and peace of mind.
- Feed your pet a small meal to prevent car sickness.
- Never leave your pets unattended in the car, especially when the weather is hot.
- Bring water to keep your pets hydrated at all times.
The Best Protection
Coastal Pet recommends The Bergan Auto Harness to avoid injury during potential rear-end collisions. The crash-tested harness features two rear loops to easily, but securely, restrain dogs in the
back seat using the car’s seatbelt. The harness, which comes in a simple step-in style, transitions to a walking harness. And the padded chest pad and soft nylon material make it extra comfortable for dogs.
For smaller dogs and cats, Coastal Pet recommends a pet carrier, either the Bergan Booster Pet Carrier or the Bergan Panoramic Cat Carrier. The former features a one-of-a-kind booster to shoulder bag design, while the latter has a small window for cats to look out of and rear seat belt loops for extra security in the car.