Motorists who drive with their pets in their car have should take note of this important Highway Code rule.
While it’s not uncommon to see a dog sticking their head out of a passenger window, it’s not always wise to allow them this freedom.
According to Rule 57 of the Highway Code, drivers must ensure animals are suitably restrained in their vehicle at all times.
This is not only to avoid causing injury to the animal or anyone else in the vehicle, but it also prevents them from distracting the driver when behind the wheel.
It reads: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
While there’s no direct penalty for breaking Rule 57, drivers risk a £5,000 fine for careless driving if they cause an accident because of a dog distracting them.
Sharing their own warning, one Reddit user reminded users how dogs can be unpredictable and may jump out of the window and into traffic, even when you’re travelling at speed.
In response, one user said: “Never open your window more than 2-3 inches. I let my dogs sniff the air, but they can never so much as put their head out the window, let alone jump out.
“I have read about dogs having their heads out a car window and being injured or losing an eye due to road debris being kicked up and hitting them by a passing vehicle.”
Another user said: “Buckle up your dogs! You don’t want it to become a projectile, in case of an accident!”
A third user added: “My dogs can put their heads out the window in town/country, not on highways. They are buckled in and wear goggles for safety.”
One more user said: “I’m so paranoid about that sort of thing. My girl gets her harness strapped into the seatbelt. She can get her chin out the window and feel the breeze flap her lips around. But no further.”
