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A dog day afternoon of driving

Feb 20, 2016 | Lifestyles

(Welcome to the weekly pet column of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla, N.Y. A new article is posted each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

Passenger safety is always important when it comes to driving, and the same goes for all species. With “Love Your Pet Day” on Feb. 20, Hankook Tire was curious to learn about how drivers keep their dogs safe on the road in their latest Quarterly Gauge Index.

According to Hankook Tire, Americans’ habit of having their dogs along for the ride is somewhat ‘pup’ular as The Gauge revealed that 56 percent of drivers say they regularly take their dogs out for a spin. Northeast owners seem to be more apt take their dogs for a drive as 74 percent of them say they regularly bring them along.

In terms of safety, where a dog sits is always a cause. Fortunately, most Americans follow the correct protocol as 66 percent of owners keep their dogs in the back seat or in a crate in the way back. However, that still means one third (34 percent) ignore DMV pet travel recommendations suggesting drivers keep their pets in the back seat or crate due to air bag concerns in the front seat. Since more than half of drivers are taking their dogs along for the ride, safety should obviously be a top concern. However, only 24 percent of owners say they strap their dog in with a seatbelt.

Loving your dog on “Love Your Pet Day” doesn’t just involve keeping them safe in the car. The need to provide them with some emotional safety and comfort is just as important. Americans seem to have that under control as The Gauge found that 89 percent of owners provide their furry loved ones with plenty of attention and talk to their dogs regularly while driving together. 

“Driver and passenger safety is always the primary concern for Hankook, and that includes their pets,” said Henry Kopacz, public relations and social media manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. “Our latest Gauge Index was able to find out more about the driver and dog dynamic, and if Americans are ensuring their safety, and that of their beloved dogs, while out on the road.” 

Driver and passenger safety is a top concern for Hankook especially during the wetter and slicker winter and even early spring months. Here are some tips from Hankook Tire to keep you and your dog safe on the road:

Check your tread – You and your dog are precious cargo, so make sure your tire tread is in prime form on the slick roads. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch, and it’s time to replace your tires.

Buckle up – This goes for both of you. When the “fasten your seatbelt” sign lights up, take this as a reminder to make sure your dog is safe and secure in his crate or pet-designed seatbelt to maximize travel safety.

Be prepared – In addition to your spare tire and jack, keep a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity, as well as plenty of water.

— PRNewswire

(For more information on pets and animal adoption, please visit www.petconnectionprogramsinc.com. Or, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PetConnectionProgramsinc. Located in Marilla, N.Y., Pet Connection Programs Inc. is a nonprofit maternity and special care shelter founded in 1984.)

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