Many motorists have pets such as dogs that accompany them on a trip. It all seems all so cute when pets come along for the drive, but this type of situation could cause problems for the motorist. Read on and find out more.1
A survey was conducted with dog owners in the US who drive with their dogs. The findings tell us a thought-provoking story, which could be applicable to South African motorists too.
How often do dog owners drive with their pets? 1
Almost 60% of dog owners surveyed took their pet for a drive at least once a month! This could be due to the owner being unable to leave their pet unattended at home while they are out.
Can pets cause a distraction? 1
When a driver is distracted, his or her focus and concentration are diminished, and depending on the severity of the distraction and its duration, it could cause a possible car accident. Of those surveyed, 29% said they had been distracted by their pet while driving.
What happens with serious distractions? 1
About 20% of the dog owners admitted that their dog got so out of hand in the car, that they had to let go completely of the steering wheel to control them. That is a serious situation. Can you imagine what could happen if the car hit a pothole at that point? With no hands on the steering wheel, it could spin out of control.
What about when having to brake? 1
When dog owners apply their brakes, 29% had to hold their dog in either their hands or arms. If this involved gentle braking as the car was gradually approaching a stop sign, it may not sound so serious. But what if a little child suddenly ran into the road chasing a ball? This is where the reaction time of the driver can make all the difference between life and death.
What do some drivers do? 1
Drivers, while travelling, are known to pat their dogs, feed them, and bend forward behind the dashboard to stop them from misbehaving. Some have their dog on their lap while trying to steer. Others said that they sometimes even play with their dog while driving, whilst others even take photos of them. In the US, uncontrolled dogs indirectly cause 30 000 accidents every year. Only 16% of dog owners restrained their dogs while travelling.
Children in the car 1
What makes it worse is that 20% of dog owner drivers had children under the age of 13 years with them in the car with the dog. This is a recipe for a serious accident that can increase your premiums.
How can this affect your car insurance premium?
This article must only be viewed as information because car insurance is complex. That is why you should consult a certified, financial advisor who can provide you with sound professional advice on the insurance product you wish to buy.
It’s not so much about premiums increasing through the increased number of accidents, but really about safety and people’s lives. Next time, we need to think twice about how to take our dog for a drive. Speaking of car insurance. Are you looking for affordable comprehensive car insurance? Get a quote for affordable comprehensive car insurance with Prime South Africa and you could save up to 20%* on your monthly premium. T and Cs apply.
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