You never think that it could happen to you, but what if it does? Millions of car accidents occur every year, and every time a driver is on the road, there is always a risk, whether you know it or not. Most seasoned drivers will likely have a story about that time they were in, or came close to being in, a car accident. In the majority of car accidents, fortunately, all passengers are okay. However, that is not always the case.
Car crashes can change your life in just a split-second. After all, only a second of a driver not paying attention or a car running a red light can set off a chain of events with tragic consequences.
Us humans know all about car safety, as we’ve been taught it from a young age. Putting your seatbelt on before the car starts, never unbuckling during the ride, and being cautious of your surroundings are some of the many safety tips reiterated to us from childhood to adulthood. However, there are some who are not aware of the dangers of the road; animals.
That being said, whenever transporting an animal, it is our responsibility to ensure that they are well protected. Many people enjoy hitting the roads with their four-legged friends by their side. Whether you’re on your way to an epic camping trip (see here for some inspiration) or just taking a brief drive, dogs definitely make the time pass way faster. Though, when you’re having fun listening to tunes and taking in the scenery with your best buddy, sometimes you wish time would slow down.
The Importance of Pet Safety on the Road
As a company in the pet business, we’ve unfortunately heard many stories about car crashes involving dogs. Oftentimes, people know the importance of taking safety precautions to protect themselves in the event of a car accident, but many people fail to realize the importance of protecting their pets as well.
So what’s the best way to protect your pets when you’re inside a moving vehicle? Keeping them secure at all times. The most effective way to do so? Whenever you are transporting your dog in the car, even for just a few minutes, securing them in a heavy-duty dog crate is the best way to keep them protected during a crash. A dog crate provides the highest level of protection for your dog when on the road, which is why a long-lasting crate is a must-have for any dog owner.
How Impact Dog Crates Protected Opie
We received the following story from one of our customers, Samantha. This winter, she was involved in a very scary crash where her car flipped over on an icy road. Her precious pup, Opie, was with her. At the time of the accident, Opie was safely secured in his Impact Collapsible Dog Crate in the car, and because of that, he did not even sustain a scratch on him. Continue reading to learn more about how Impact Dog Crates protected Opie when he needed it the most.
Car Safety Tips for Your Dog
When traveling with a dog, there are a few essential safety precautions dog owners should take to protect their pups in the event of a car accident.
Drive Cautiously
When you’re on the road, unfortunately, there are many things out of your control, whether that be the teenager going 20+ miles over the speed limit or the poor visibility from a snow storm. The only thing that is in your control is how you drive. That being said, being a very cautious, careful driver will significantly reduce your chances of being in a car accident.
It’s important to do your part by being a safe and cautious driver at all times. Not only is this of utmost importance for ensuring your safety, but this is a sure way to put your pet’s safety first as well. Yes, there are many situations that you cannot control when driving. In the wintertime, severe weather conditions can make it nearly impossible to maintain control when driving, resulting in many accidents. However, being a cautious driver and obeying all traffic laws is still one of the most effective ways to do your part in reducing the chances of any unfortunate incidents happening on the road.
Crate them for the Ride
As many dog experts, veterinarians, and owners agree; the safest place for your dog inside a moving vehicle is a crate. We know that having your dog in the passenger seat or sticking their head out of the window may sound cool and fun, but in reality, this is putting their safety in jeopardy. Let’s say that you have to swerve or brake suddenly to avoid a collision. Assuming you are following the law and have your seatbelt on, your seatbelt will do its job by preventing you from being roughly ejected. However, what protection would your dog have? The fact of the matter is that when a dog is unsecured in a moving vehicle, the risk of them being injured- or worse- in a car crash increases significantly. In other words, allowing your dog to free roam around the car without any protection is really just not worth the risk.
A travel-friendly dog crate provides a superior level of protection for your dog- whether you are at home or on the go. To ensure your pup is secure in the highest quality crate that puts safety first, there are a few features you should specifically look out for. First of all, as any dog owner knows, dogs can take up lots of space (and we love them all the more for it). However, a dog crate shouldn’t have to. This is why many dog owners favor collapsible dog crates, as they can be easily folded down to free up space in less than a minute.
When getting a travel-friendly dog crate for your pup, this is where planning again comes into play. A new crate may be a little scary at first for your dog, so you should always try your best to ensure that they have a good amount of time to get adapted to their new crate. In other words, it’s not advisable for the crate to arrive the day before you depart on your drive with your dog. Instead, aim to start helping your dog get acclimated to their new crate a few weeks before you take them on the road.
Adjusting to a new environment is a process that should not be rushed, and as soon as your dog is comfortable in their crate, they will love the comfort and security it provides them- whether they are at home or in the car.
