Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have banned motorists from holding a live animal in their laps or arms while driving. The bill was one of many measures vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger September 27. The governor had over 800 bills to review in a matter of day and due to the curtailed signing period, only had time to approve those of highest priority for California.
The pet restraint bill was sponsored by Republican Assemblyman Bill Maze who was reportedly upset at the sight of a drive with a lapdog. Lapdogs can be distracting and put motorists at risk when they scamper between the driver and the steering wheel or underneath the brake pedal and the California Highway Patrol statistics show that four people have been killed and 346 others injured in collisions from 2001 to 2007 due to distractions caused by an animal. Taking these statistics into account, Maze issued a bill that would fine motorists caught sharing the driver's seat with a pet.
Although the legislation was not passed, Governor Schwarzenegger's decision to veto the lapdog ban succeeds in bringing attention to a very important topic: dog safety while riding in a vehicle. Pet owners should consider a variety of pet restrain methods for road trips. As mentioned in a past blog of mine, there are back seat barriers, zip line/harnesses and booster seats that allow your pet the flexibility to safely move around in the car without interfering with the driver and passengers. Other popular products provide protection through vehicle seat belt use and of course, traveling carriers for the smaller pet travelers. Fortunately for pet owners, an increasing number of car insurance companies are now offering insurance coverage for pets that are injured during a car accident.
These necessary safety precautions will ensure the protection of pets and their owners on their next car trip.
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Sharon
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Posted by: Sharon | November 12, 2008 at 07:55 PM