Your Toyota dealer near Philadelphia wants to make sure you know how to keep yourself and your pets safe in the car. Follow these tips to improve safety and lower the likeliness of injury.
Tip #1: Never Let the Dog Sit in Your Lap
This is probably the most important tip you’ll ever hear about dogs and driving safety. Having a dog in your lap is a big distraction. They want to look out the window, which blocks your access to controls, and they want to lick you in the face, which means you can’t see anything but dog tongue.
Perhaps even more scary is what happens during an accident. An airbag explodes with so much force that it could literally kill small dogs.
Tip #2: Get a Crate for Large Dogs
If you have a large dog, get a vehicle that can hold a suitable crate. SUVs work well because they often have large cargo areas in the back.
Secure the crate so that it doesn’t move around. Bungee cords work well.
Make the crate comfortable with blankets and toys. That way, your dog won’t mind riding back there without you.
Tip #3: Get a Safety Belt for Your Dog
It probably sounds a little silly, but there are safety belts made specifically for dogs. They’re actually harnesses that attach to the car’s safety belt. When connected, they prevent the dog from moving around much. It’s a great way to keep a dog under control even when she wants to hop around the car.
