Bernstein & Maryanoff

Florida Car Accident Lawyers
Explaining the Dangers of Unrestrained Dogs

The United States is a nation of dog lovers.  Dogs have become part of our daily lives, and they tend to travel with us almost wherever we go.  Unfortunately, most people simply put their dog in the car with them and drive towards their destination.  This is risky behavior, because unrestrained dogs in a vehicle can create a distraction and lead to an accident.  If you have been harmed by someone who was distracted by a dog, seek the help of experienced Florida car accident lawyers.  In the meantime, below is a brief overview of a recent study AAA.

The Numbers Published by the Study

In its study, the AAA found that almost 40 percent of American households have a dog.  This equates to tens of millions of dogs that live with humans, and almost all of them have had their dogs in moving vehicles at one time or another.  Most dogs are naturally drawn to vehicles for many different reasons.

The study also found that of those dog owners surveyed, 60 percent of them admitted to being distracted by their dog in a moving vehicle at least once, and only 17 percent of dog owners regularly use some form of dog restraint system that keeps them in place and keeps them safe in case of a car accident.

Why This Study Matters

This study is important because distracted drivers are one of the leading causes of car accidents both in Florida and across the United States.  Even a one-second lapse in focus when a dog jumps on a driver’s lap or onto the floor where the gas and brake pedals sit could lead to serious consequences.

Overall, Florida car accidents that were caused by what is described as careless driving has led to almost 50,000 injury crashes per year and 500 fatality crashes.  It is unknown how many of those situations were caused by drivers distracted by dogs, but if you have a dog and it travels with you regularly, secure it in a proper restraint system to protect yourself, the dog and other drivers.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you need to seek the help of Florida car accident lawyers who have years of experience in successfully fighting for the rights of injured clients.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.