Lately in the news and the Internet there has been a lot of talk about distracted driving. Mostly the discussion is about people texting or using email on their smartphone while driving. I have noticed some drivers reading a newspaper or book while driving. I think one more item could be added to distracted driving. People who let their dog sit with them in the driver’s seat. Just today, July 13, as I drove out to The Home Depot. I saw a person driving with a dog hanging out the driver’s window. How can the driver have good control of the vehicle with a dog sitting between the steering wheel and them? What if an accident occurred? That dog would be trapped between the steering wheel air bag and the driver. The air bag system wasn’t designed for that kind of situation.

Drivers have responsibilities. Children are to be in car seats or seat belts depending on their age. Passengers are to be seat belted in their seats. If a dog is riding in a car, I think it should be secured as well. I have seen some people let their dog roam around the car while the vehicle is moving down the road. In case of a sudden stop what kind of damage would that dog do to the occupants?

Dogs have their place but not in the driver’s seat with the owner.

 

Roger Panzer

Albert Lea