How Many Dogs Get Hit By Cars Each Year ?
How Many Dogs Get Hit By Cars Each Year :-According to a recent MORI survey commissioned by Direct Line Pet Insurance, approximately 1.5 million motorists have admitted to hitting a cat or dog with their car and then driving off, leaving the animal on the roadside.
The survey found that 1 in 5 drivers (21%), or around 6.3 million, have hit a cat or dog while driving, with a quarter of those (25%) admitting to driving off without checking on the animal or reporting the incident.
Despite this, 9 out of 10 motorists (91%) stated that they would report hitting a dog to the police in the future. However, only half of the drivers (54%) said they would report hitting a cat. This is concerning, as cats are more than twice as likely to be injured in a road accident than dogs.
Furthermore, nearly 8 out of 10 drivers (77%) are aware that it is a legal requirement to report a road incident involving a dog. However, only 7 out of 10 motorists (70%) know that the same rules do not apply if the accident involves a cat.
How Many Dogs Get Hit By Cars Each Year What Should I Do If My Pet is Injured in a Car Accident?
If your pet has been injured in a car accident, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your pet and your legal rights. Here are some key actions to consider:
1. Do Not Follow Your Pet Into Traffic: If your pet gets loose after the accident, avoid following them into traffic, as this can put you and others in danger. Stay in a safe location.
2. Get Out Of Traffic: Move yourself and your pet to a safe area, such as the side of the road, away from traffic.
3. Check for Injuries: Check yourself and your pet for injuries. Look for signs of injuries, gently touch your pet to check for sensitive areas, and listen to their reactions.
4. Give First Aid: If your pet is injured, use available items to cover wounds or immobilize limbs. Keep supplies like an extra leash and water bottles in your car for emergencies.
5. File a Police Report: If your property damage exceeds $1,000, file a report with the police department. An injured pet may count as damage.
6. Visit a Veterinarian: Take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on their injuries, you may need to go to an emergency vet specializing in critical care.
7. Contact Your Insurance: Notify your insurance company if you intend to file a claim for damages. Michigan’s no-fault insurance law allows you to recover compensation for property damage and other losses.
8. Call a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer: A car accident attorney can help you navigate the insurance claim process, gather evidence, prepare a claim, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
How Many Dogs Get Hit By Cars Each Year What Are Other Common Injuries Pets Get in Car Accidents?
Here are some common injuries that pets may suffer in motor vehicle accidents:
1. Broken Bones: The physical trauma of an accident can result in broken or fractured bones. Treatment may include casting, splinting, or surgery to stabilize the bone.
2. Lacerations: Pets may suffer cuts or lacerations that require cleaning, bandaging, or stitches. Sedation is often necessary for veterinary treatment.
3. Internal Bleeding: Internal injuries can be severe and may require surgery to diagnose and repair the damage.
4. Pulmonary Damage: Trauma to the chest area can lead to issues like a collapsed lung or fluid accumulation around the heart, which may require surgical intervention.
5. Abdominal Trauma: Injuries to the abdomen may involve lacerations, hernias, or damage to organs like the spleen or liver, often requiring surgery to assess and repair.
Are You Distracted by Your Dog?
A recent survey by the American Auto Association (AAA) reveals that one in five drivers admit to driving with an unrestrained dog in the car, leading to potentially dangerous distractions. Many drivers engage in risky behaviors while driving with their pets, including allowing the dog to sit in their lap, petting or playing with the dog, giving the dog snacks, and reaching into the back seat to interact with the dog. These distractions can increase the risk of accidents, as taking the eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles the chance of a car accident, and an unrestrained dog can cause an accident in less than one minute.
Despite recognizing the dangers, few drivers take precautions to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. While over 80 percent of drivers acknowledge the dangers of driving with an unrestrained pet, only 16 percent use pet restraints. This is concerning, as even a small dog can exert significant force in a crash, and an unrestrained dog can be killed by an inflating airbag, just like small children.
To address this issue, AAA recommends that drivers always use a pet restraint system when traveling with their pets, even for short trips close to home. There are various products available on the market that can help reduce accidents caused by unrestrained pets and keep both pets and passengers safe.
Animal Protection Laws
How Many Dogs Get Hit By Cars Each Year Laws regarding animal protection and transportation vary from state to state in the US. While there isn’t a single law that applies universally, several states have specific regulations regarding transporting unrestrained pets in vehicles. The primary concern is the safety of both the driver and the animal.
In states where laws don’t explicitly require pets to be restrained, drivers can still be charged under distracted driving laws if their pets are unrestrained and causing a distraction. Additionally, transporting pets in open truck beds may require them to be secured to prevent them from falling out and causing accidents.
In some states, drivers with unrestrained pets can be charged for impeding the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Seat belts may be required for dogs that are not secured in a crate while the vehicle is in motion. Transporting a live animal without proper restraint or in a suitable carrier may constitute cruelty to animals in certain states.
In Nevada, while there are no specific laws related to transporting unrestrained animals in vehicles, distracted driving laws are strictly enforced. Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as using a cell phone, watching videos, or eating, can result in fines. The fines for distracted driving in Nevada start at $50 for the first offense and increase for subsequent offenses, with higher fines for offenses in work zones.
