"But while dogs bring comfort and joy, they can also bring danger, especially when they ride along in the car. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities. The majority were linked to speeding, drunk driving, or failure to wear seatbelts. But an alarming 3,275 deaths were attributed to distracted driving. While mobile phones dominate the distracted driving conversation, dogs are a growing and under-recognized part of the problem."
"Pet ownership is booming. Roughly 94 million U.S. households own a pet, with Millennials (30%) leading the way, followed closely by Baby Boomers and Gen X. Dogs remain America's favorite pet, with nearly 90 million nationwide -that's one dog for every four people. Spending reflects this devotion. In 2024, Americans spent $151.9 billion on their pets, with 2025 projections nearing $157 billion."
Unrestrained dogs in vehicles contribute to distracted driving and increase crash risk. In 2023, 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities occurred, with 3,275 attributed to distracted driving. Dogs are an under-recognized source of distraction alongside mobile phones. Approximately 68 million U.S. households have at least one dog, and dog ownership and spending are rising. Owners commonly hold dogs while braking and allow dogs to climb into front seats, behaviors admitted by a significant share of pet owners. Dogs provide mental health and exercise benefits, but they pose a hidden danger when unrestrained during car travel, necessitating safer practices.
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