BRANCHVILLE, N.J., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Dogs might be man’s buddy, however they aren’t constantly a safe driving buddy. A recent survey commissioned by Selective Insurance, a leading business, home, and automobile insurance coverage provider, discovered that dogs regularly trigger sidetracked driving on United States roads.
The research study, performed online by The Harris Poll, discovered that 91% of certified drivers who drove with their dogs over the last 12 months confessed to connecting with them while driving. Many of these interactions needed the driver to take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the roadway. Of this group, almost half (48%) acknowledged that they are more sidetracked when their dog remains in the vehicle than when it is not.
“We like our dogs. However, a few of their habits in the car, such as resting on drivers’ laps, leaping in between seats, or sticking their go out the window, divert drivers’ attention from running a vehicle,” said Scott Smith, Vice President, Director of Safety Management, Selective Insurance. “To help keep our roadways safe, drivers require to decrease diversions. That suggests our precious family pet guests ought to be limited in the car’s rear seat, and if they require tending, drivers ought to initially pull over to a safe location.”
Some of the more harmful habits that drivers took part in while on the roadway with their dog in the previous 12 months consist of providing food/treats/water (36%), taking a photo/video of their dog while driving (27%), or holding them in location (23%). In addition, 40% of surveyed drivers admitted to careless driving as a direct outcome of having their dog in the vehicle, such as:
- 16% experienced an absence of awareness of other lorries around them.
- 13% tough braked.
- 11% swerved out of the traffic lane.
- 9% entered into a car mishap.
A substantial 70% of certified drivers who drove with their dogs in the previous 12 months said their dogs were unrestrained in the vehicle. Yet, 82% of study individuals concur that having an unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle can sidetrack the driver. Some states have animal restraint laws for lorries to help keep drivers safe and focused. Awareness, nevertheless, is low. Only 24% of certified drivers who drove with their dog in the previous 12 months said they are extremely acquainted with such laws in their state compared to 34% who said they didn’t understand these laws existed.
Click here to see extra findings from Selective’s Distracted Driving research study and methods to help keep our roads safe, K-9 buddies secure, and lorries devoid of diversion.
Survey Methodology
This study was performed online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Selective Insurance from March 2-6, 2023, amongst 2,044 United States grownups ages 18 and older, amongst whom 992 are certified drivers who drove with their dog in the previous 12 months. The tasting accuracy of Harris online surveys is determined by utilizing a Bayesian reliable period. For this research study, the sample information is precise to within +/- 2.8 portion points utilizing a 95% self-confidence level. For total study method, consisting of weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].
About Selective Insurance
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIGI) is a holding business for 10 property and casualty insurer ranked “A+” (Superior) by AM Best. Through independent representatives, the insurer use basic and specialized insurance coverage for industrial and personal dangers and flood insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program’s Write Your Own Program. Selective’s distinct position as both a leading insurance coverage group and a company of option is acknowledged in a wide array of awards and honors, consisting of listing in Forbes Best Midsize Employers in 2023 and accreditation as a Great Place to Work® in 2022 for the 3rd successive year. For more info about Selective, see www.Selective.com.
SOURCE Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
