New Erie Insurance survey reveals Americans’ preferences for including their dogs on the family vacation
Erie, PA – Millions of Americans are hitting the road this summer, and many are opting to drive since it’s a more affordable option. The Friday before Memorial Day weekend is officially known as National Road Trip Day since it kicks off America’s summer road trip season when Americans typically put the most miles on their cars.
Just exactly who is in the car during those road trips differs significantly by driver. Interestingly, a recent survey commissioned by Erie Insurance and conducted by The Harris Poll showed that 53% of dog owners with a driver’s license who drive with their dogs in the car would actually rather take a long road trip with their dog instead of a family member.
The idea that so many people prefer canine companionship when driving should come as no surprise when you consider that 92% of the dog owners surveyed claim that they regularly drive somewhere with their dogs.
More to buckle up on
This year’s summer road trip might look and feel a bit different, however, if you choose to bring your fluffy friend along. That’s because more states are cracking down on distracted driving laws—some of which are now being interpreted as also applying to dogs. Although only a few states (Rhode Island, Hawaii and New Jersey) actually have passed legislation that specifically mandates dog restraints, some states (including Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Washington state and Washington, DC, among others) are starting to apply general distracted driving standards to situations with unrestrained dogs and citing drivers whose dog’s behavior is considered disruptive. Or, if an accident is caused supposedly by the action of an unrestrained dog, citations may also be issued in these states.
In other states, such as Alabama, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia and Vermont, among others, animal cruelty laws have loose parameters in place about the “safe transport” of pets. Depending on a citing officer’s perspective, a fine could be assessed for an unrestrained dog. In these states and others, law enforcement officials take an especially negative view of dogs riding in drivers’ laps.
According to the Erie Insurance survey, Americans have mixed feelings about being told how they should be driving with their dogs. Only half (50%) of dog owner’s with a driver’s license who drive with their dogs in the car agreed that laws mandating the restraint of dogs in moving vehicles are a good idea.
If you’re one of the few dog owners who already safely restrain your dog in the car, you have nothing to worry about and can keep going about your usual routine. However, if you’re one of the 13% of surveyed drivers who let Fido ride in your lap, or if your dog is roaming loose in some other area of the car, you could be facing a fine if you get caught with your dog doing something perceived as distracting or if the officer believes the driver’s view was blocked by the dog.
Preparing your dog for the next road trip
To help ensure a worry-free, dog-accompanied summer road trip, Erie Insurance spoke with Paul Owens, “The Original Dog Whisperer”, to get his tips for making your dog a better-behaved passenger and one that’s more likely to accept being restrained.
“First of all, I’m a big believer in properly restraining dogs in cars with a crash-tested harness; it’s safer for the dog, as well as anyone else who is in the car,” said Owens, who has been professionally training dogs for more than 50 years.
Owens admits that conditioning your dog to be comfortable with a harness or other type of approved restraint, if you’ve never used one before, could take time.
“You can’t just throw a harness around your dog and expect a positive outcome,” said Owens. “Rather, you will need to gradually get your dog used to the harness. Start by placing the harness on the ground near your dog. Then keep moving it closer as part of a series of short, force-free, reward-based training sessions until your dog is willing to step through it.”
Even though a ride in the car sounds fun and easy, Owens points out that some dogs still have anxiety or an excessive amount of enthusiasm when getting in the car.
“There are a number of proven ways to reduce the risk of this nervous behavior or excessive energy,” said Owens. “Start by exercising your dog before the car ride and give it a chance to poop and pee. If your dog is known for having accidents in the car, don’t feed it for several hours before leaving. There are also good products out there than can help reduce anxiety, such as an anti-anxiety canine shirt or jacket, which applies consistent and soothing pressure to make your dog feel like it is wrapped in comfort.”
If your dog is still distracting with excessive barking, whining or vomiting, it’s time to call in professional help. For additional tips, you can also order Owens’ latest booked, Training for the Joy of Dogs: Fifty Lessons Learned, which is available on Amazon.
So, if you’re planning on exploring the great outdoors and visiting one of our country’s great scenic landscapes this summer with man’s best friend at your side, go for it. Just make sure you and your canine companion are properly prepared.
About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th largest homeowners insurer, 12th largest automobile insurer and 13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company and the 19th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more information are available on ERIE’s website
Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Erie Insurance from February 20 – 22, 2024 among 951 adults ages 18 and older who own a dog and are licensed drivers. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 3.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
