Brief
Study finds high death rate for dogs in car crashes and calls for regulated restraints
Colorado State University researchers say unregulated pet restraints leave dogs vulnerable in accidents.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Research published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention examined 268 vehicle incidents involving dogs and found that almost 10% of the animals died while 28% required emergency veterinary care. The study, conducted by a Colorado State University team, highlighted that the smallest breeds faced the greatest risk of fatal injury.
The Highway Code already advises that animals be "suitably restrained" to avoid driver distraction, but the researchers note that pet seatbelts are not subject to the same testing or regulation as human restraints. The authors wrote, "As pets increasingly travel as vehicle occupants, their safety can no longer rely on unregulated products and anecdotal evidence," adding that "evidence‑based" restraints are now needed.
Key facts
- The study analysed 268 car incidents involving dogs. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Nearly 10% of the dogs died in those incidents. (dailymail.co.uk)
- 28% of the dogs were seriously injured and required veterinary care. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Smallest breeds were at the highest risk of death. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Death rate for dogs in car accidents is high, research finds”
