May 7, 2008
Driving under the influence...of something furry
Assemblyman Bill Maze of Visalia, Calif., would like to limit distractions for drivers in his state. Maze's perception of a highway hazard: lap dogs.
The California General Assembly has passed a bill that would ban drivers from holding a live animal in their lap while driving. Personally, I think a dead animal in my lap would be more distracting, but that's just my sarcastic side getting the better of me.
Motorists cited for driving while petting could face a $35 fine.
Maze said he was prompted to draft the bill when he saw a woman with three dogs in her lap while she was driving. He insists the bill is a safety measure and not in response to celebrities like Paris Hilton, who has been photographed often with a pooch in her lap while she is behind the wheel.
California law already mandates that animals must be secured in the back of an open bed pick up truck.
Our hounds are far too big to climb in our laps, especially with a steering wheel in the way. I admit that, although I know it's a risky thing to do, we do not crate our dogs in the car. Our small SUV would not accommodate a crate large enough for both pooches, and they usually travel as a pair. They hang out on giant pillows in the back half of the vehicle.
What do you do when you travel with your dog? Secure the pup in a car harness, carrier or crate, or just let him or her go au natural in the car? Do you find it distracting to have your dog near you while you drive?
Comments
[May 7, 2008 4:39 PM]
ChrisI have been in a couple of accidents and know that anything not tied down will hit me and/or the windshield--this includes my pets! My shelties are harnessed and attached to seat belts in the back seat when we travel.
[May 7, 2008 4:53 PM]
KimWe bought an SUV to haul our dog around in because she wasn't comfortable in the back seat of the car. The problem with her is that she thinks she should be in the front seat of whatever vehicle she is in. If the passenger seat is occupied she will try to sit in that persons lap or will hang out on the console. Seeing as how she's about 35 pounds that doesn't work very well!!
It drives me insane not to mention it is dangerous for both of us. If I had to slam on brakes or were in a wreck she'd go right into the dash or through the windshield. At the very least, she distracts me while I'm driving by trying to give me kisses or getting in my lap.
To solve that problem, I ordered a barrier system that fits between the seats so she can't get to the front. She can get air/heat and see us without being a hazard! Although she isn't thrilled with it I definetly think it was money well spent.