Should Dogs Be Allowed On a Driver's Lap?
Rep. Peter Palumbo has again introduced legislation that will prohibit dogs from sitting on the lap of a motor vehicle operator.
Should dogs be allowed on a drivers lap?
One Rhode Island Legislator says the answer is a resounding, no.
“I know some people think this is frivolous, but I still believe it is a matter of public safety, for humans and animals alike,” said Representative Peter G. Palumbo (D-Dist. 16, Cranston).
He introduced legislation that would subject violators to an $85 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second and $125 for a third or subsequent offense.
Almost a quarter of drivers that transport dogs allow them to ride on their lap, according to a 2010 survey from AAA.
In addition to the risks it causes other motorists, it could be considered dangerous for the pet.
The auto club claims an unrestrained 10-pound dog traveling at 50 miles per hour flies forward with 500 pounds of pressure in a crash and an 80-pound dog at only 30 mph packs a 2,400-pound punch.
If enacted into law, Rhode Island would be one of the few states to enforce limitations on pets in the car.
In New Jersey, under state law, NJSPCA officers can stop a driver they believe is improperly transporting an animal. Tickets range from $250 to $1,000 per offense, and a driver can face a disorderly person's offense under animal-cruelty laws. Hawaii explicitly forbids drivers from holding a pet on their lap. In Arizona, Connecticut and Maine, distracted-driving laws can be used to charge drivers with pets on their laps.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
What do you think? Should it be illegal for a dog to be on a driver's lap?
David Napier
9:48 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
We need to have a law like New Jersey against people unsafely transporting animals in their vehicles. I had the misfortune once of watching a dog dragged to death behind a pick-up truck. The dog fell out of the back as the driver left a gas station, but was tied by a leash to the bumper of the truck. By the time I was able to catch up to the driver and get him to pull over, it was too late for the poor animal. It was a horrific experience, and one I hope never having to witness again. In my view, the driver of that truck should have been charged with cruelty to an animal.
Ted Geisel
10:11 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
David what you described is already illegal in RI. Below is the actual law, it's also referenced on the State Police website here: http://www.risp.state.ri.us/motorvehiclesafety/laws.php (#9) BTW, sorry you had to see that. They should be charged with something.
TITLE 31
Motor and Other vehicles
CHAPTER 31-22
Miscellaneous Rules
SECTION 31-22-28
§ 31-22-28 Transporting animals. – (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any animal or animals either for business or pleasure on or in an open air motor vehicle unless the animal or animals being transported:
(1) Is kept in an enclosed area of the motor vehicle;
(2) The animal or animals are under the physical control of a person other than the operator of the motor vehicle; or
(3) The animal or animals are placed in the motor vehicle and safely restrained by a harness manufactured for the purpose of restraining animals by means other than neck restraints.
(b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for a first offense, nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) for each subsequent offense.
Emily Chen
11:41 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
It becomes such a driver distraction... And most people are already distracted as is so to have something that's constantly moving and potentially blocking your view, it makes me as the OTHER driver nervous... I own a 25lb mini beagle. He wears a harness with the leash attached to the passenger seat next to me so that if I have to slam on my breaks for whatever reason, he won't go tumbling off the seat or out the window. I never allow him on my lap while driving...