ICBC survey reveals driving with unrestrained pets could be putting lives at risk

A recently conducted ICBC survey has revealed that the majority of BC drivers travelling with unrestrained pets could be putting lives at risk. 

The survey found that, while travelling with pets is common, many drivers are putting themselves, their passengers and their animals at risk by not properly securing their pets in vehicles.

Around 57% of BC drivers responded to the survey that they had travelled with their pet at least once in the past year, and only 36% of those drivers responded that they secure their pet in some way while driving. 

What ICBC is drawing attention to is the fact that 64% responded that they do not use restraints while driving with their pet in the vehicle. Furthermore, 12% said they drove with their pets on their passenger’s lap and 2% allowed their pet to sit on their lap while driving. 

The most common reasons for drivers who do not secure their pets include:

• Trips are usually short – 39%
• Pet is calm or well-trained – 36%
• Pet doesn’t like restraints – 22%
• Haven’t really thought about it – 21%
• Don’t believe it’s necessary – 18% 
• Want their pet to be able to stick its head out the window – 14%

According to ICBC, 34% of drivers who do not secure their pets do not think it is dangerous.

“For many of us, pets are part of the family, and we want them with us wherever we go,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager. 

“But an unrestrained pet can be a serious distraction and a safety risk in a crash. Taking a few simple steps to secure your pet properly can help protect everyone in the vehicle.”

Though the majority of survey respondents said they do not secure their pets while driving, many do ensure their pet is secured. 

Among those who secure their pets, 33% indicated they use crates of carriers for their pet while driving and 16% said they use a seatbelt or harness. 

The survey also sought information on how often British Columbians leave pets unattended in parked vehicles. 

According to ICBC, 57% of respondents said they have seen a pet left unattended in a vehicle in the past year. 

Furthermore, an additional 24% of drivers who travel with pets admit to having left their pet alone in a vehicle in the past year. 

Of those who left their pet in the vehicle, 77% said it was only for a short time, 70% said temperatures were believed to be safe and 66% said windows were left open for their pet. 

“Securing your pet while travelling is the first step but taking them with you when you leave your car is just as important,” said Kim Monteith, BC SPCA manager of animal welfare. 

“We continue to see animals suffer needlessly when they’re left in parked vehicles—even for a few minutes. Temperatures can rise quickly, putting pets at risk of serious distress or death.”

Monteith added that leaving their pet at home is the kindest thing a pet owner can do when they cannot control the temperature.

ICBC provided the following tips for how to keep pets safe while driving during the summer:

• Secure your pet – Unrestrained animals can become dangerous projectiles in a crash, risking injury to themselves and others, and can also be a distraction for drivers
• Keep pets in the back seat or cargo area – To avoid distraction or injury, never allow pets to sit on your lap or in the front seat
• Plan ahead to reduce distractions – Bring water, food and comfort items to keep pets calm during travel, and for longer trips, plan regular breaks
• Keep heads—and paws—inside the vehicle – Pets sticking their heads out the window can lead to eye injuries or debris strikes, and open windows can risk pets falling or jumping out
• Transport pets safely in trucks – In BC, it is illegal and unsafe to have an unsecured animal in the back of a pickup truck
• Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle – Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, and cracked windows or shade do not prevent dangerous heat buildup