Should Pets Be Required to Wear a Seat Belt?

by SodaHead Living Posted 2012/06/11 19:39:13

Related Topics: Pets, Seat, belt, Car, Pet, Dogs, jail, Animals, Cars, American, Driving, News, Dog, New Jersey

746 votes
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	Yes	278 votes	37%
	No	468 votes	63%

Hmm ... we've never really thought about this one before. Should owners have to buckle up their pets in the car, or face a hefty fine? In New Jersey, penalties for driving with an unrestrained pet range from $250 to $1,000 and as much as six months in jail, NorthJersey.com reports.

"That’s for each offense," Col. Frank Rizzo, police superintendent for the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, told reporters. "So, if you have more than one animal loose in your car, just do the math…"

The New Jersey statute defines unrestrained pets in cars as animal cruelty. Some pet owners use small cages, but most buy seats and harnesses that attach directly to existing seat belts, NorthJersey.com reports. However, a 2010 survey conducted by the American Automobile Association showed that 20 percent of those polled allow their dogs to sit on their laps while they drive. And nearly one-third of the respondents admitted that unrestrained pets are distracting.

“Some people tell us they like to let their pets hang their heads out the window to take in the fresh air," Rizzo said, "but dogs and cats become projectiles in a crash." Do you think people should be forced to buckle up their pets?

+33

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glass_butterfly ~YSU~ 2012/06/11 21:28:33 (edited)

Yes

+19
I tie my dog up in the passenger seat or the back seat cause she'll try and jump in my lap (this is no purse dog, this is a 65-70lbs adult black lab, who still thinks she's a puppy) She could obstruct my view! Very dangerous. And for the safety of the dog too, if in a car accident I'd hate to think of my poor girl to fly out the window and getting hurt worst!
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More polls by SodaHead Living

TKramar to Jo 2012/06/13 19:19:04 (edited)

you worry about getting into an accident, that must mean you don't know how to drive. Skilled drivers know how to avoid them.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/13 22:21:47

I dont worry at all about getting into an accident---at what point did I say that? I'm referring to what happens when accidents DO take place, which is already very well known by those that have little more than 2 brain cells rattling around betweenthe ears; yet, you dont even fall into that category.

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/14 09:23:18

You're the one who keeps freaking out about "What if you get into an accident?" Well, the chances of that even happening are extremely low, especially if a skilled driver is at the wheel.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/14 16:25:25

(*chuckles*) you think making an observation is "freaking out"? Not even close; you're the one who cant figure out all by his wittle self that the level of "skill" another driver has has nothing to do with other drivers that may hit him.

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/14 21:01:30 (edited)

Accidents aren't all that common, considering how often people drive, and how many cars are out there on the road. Plus, I've never been in one in 14 years of driving.

Your own skill in DEFENSIVE driving is what keep other drivers from hitting you.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/15 02:07:44

again, thats pure stupidity talking; defensive driving DECREASES the probability, but gives no guarantees.

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/15 11:03:09

That's why someone like me, who knows how to drive defensively, has NEVER been in an accident, and never will be.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/15 16:54:45

driving defensively, again, doesnt prevent accidents , only lessens the chances--when you grow up and become a big person, you'll understand this.

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/15 20:41:07

Driving defensively is all about preventing accidents. However, if you're too busy talking on your cell phone, eating, changing the radio station, or talking to other people in the car to drive, you can't call yourself a defensive driver, and yeah, you might get into an accident.

Not that it's all that likely, even with all that against you.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/16 08:25:46

I'm more than aware of that, and since I dont partake in any of that while I'm driving, those issues dont apply to me. You seem to be harboring the incredible misconception that because I'm aware of the number of accidents that it must be because of personal experience--just one more example of your naivete.

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Grandpa to Jo 2012/06/13 20:51:26 (edited)

Whats wrong with YOU ??? Why are you hitting a tree at 65 mph ?? How many animals have been propleled thru a wind shield ??? Passing laws just because it may happen , STUPID >> Guess all you super smart women have all the answers and don't train the dog or the kids ,just tie them down in the back seat

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Jo to Grandpa 2012/06/13 22:22:27

again, what does training have to do with what happens to the dog when an accident occurs?

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Grandpa to Jo 2012/06/13 22:27:29

The same thing the driver does with his or her training >>

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Jo to Grandpa 2012/06/13 22:29:50

uh-huh, which has nothing to do with what happens to this person inside the vehicle when an accident occurs.

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Grandpa to Jo 2012/06/13 22:34:32

Go away >> I can't stand stupid women who just like to talk and say nothing

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Jo to Grandpa 2012/06/13 22:40:59

lol! Just like I cant stand stupid men that dont have the balls to admit that they dont have an answer, and instead turn it around and blame it on the other person:)

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/14 09:24:27

Most people don't get into accidents. I've never had one. I've avoided many, but never had one.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/14 16:27:46

you sound like a 14 year old; but then again, you've yet to sound like anything but a 14 year old, and I dont think you;re capable of anything more.

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/14 21:03:21

No I don't. You just didn't like what I had to say, so you're trying an ad hominem approach. Won't work.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/15 02:08:21

you sound EXACTLY like some little boy.

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/15 11:03:34

Ad hominem again, eh? You need better material.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/15 16:55:38

lol! No thank you, I'll stick with what I have, sweetheart---besides, you wouldnt know good material if it slapped you in the face:)

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/15 20:41:49

I would know it, you just haven't provided anything of substance. Just paranoid delusions and ad hominem attacks.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/16 08:28:05

oh, please; whats been "paranoid"? Do you know what "paranoid" means? Apparently not, you're totally using that word out of context, and I dont attempt actual intellIgent discussions with somebody like you; its a complete waste of time

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/16 09:44:38

Paranoid is thinking you're going to get into an accident, or that a given person is going to get into an accident, when that hasn't been shown.

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Jo to TKramar 2012/06/16 16:43:32

perhaps you should look it upi?

paranoia: par-a-noi-a; 1)a disorder characterized by systemized delusions and the projection of personal conflicts, which are ascribed to the supposed hositility of others, sometimes progresssing to sidturbances of consciousness and aggressive acts believed to be performed in self-defense or as a mission. 2) baseless or excessive suspicion of the motives of others.

having an awareness of the potential has nothing to do with the above:)

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TKramar to Jo 2012/06/16 17:22:25

you over magnify the "potential". Accidents only happen to unsafe drivers. If you're paying attention, they won't happen because you can avoid them.

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Grandpa to Jo 2012/06/14 13:02:28 (edited)

The answer is train them as you do your kids if you have any >> Do you need someone to DRAW you a picture ???? And as for balls at least I have them and it seems alot more brains than YOU

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Jo to Grandpa 2012/06/14 16:26:59

honey, you dont have anything even remotely similar to brains, and what does "training" someone--animal OR human---have to do with someone else hitting you?

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Grandpa to Jo 2012/06/14 20:55:56 (edited)

Like use common sense and DUCK >>> Where you drop on your head as a child or maybe you flew up and hit the windshield >>. And don't call me honry unless you love me >> And to know me is to love me >> Have a great day and please learn to chill out it will make you more beautiful >> And unless you are a brain specilest you will never know

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Jo to Grandpa 2012/06/15 02:10:47

use common sense and "duck"? you honestly think that has something to do with someone in another car hitting you? And of course you're going to tell me to "chill out"----men like you arent strong enough to handle any kind of woman that is anything other than sweet, cute, and vulnerable---it emasculates you and you cant deal with it.

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Grandpa to Grandpa 2012/06/15 12:43:46

To JO >>> No man likes a know it all smart a$$ women >> And most of you are nothing but trophy wifes who are worthless in bed >> And YES I perfer cute ,sweet,and above all vulnerable as we can protect her and love her as we know shes not out doing her own thing >> Like babbling about seat belts for her dog >> Guess you will nave to find a wimp who you can control as for a real man would not puy up with your BS >> Have a nice day and chill out

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AngelaDuke to Jo 2012/06/12 20:34:16

+1
I think that putting a seat belt on a dog is stupid. My dogs wouldn't keep a seat belt on no matter how tight I got it. The question should not be wear a seat belt it should say wear a pet harness or something along those lines. No a pet should not have to wear a humans seat belt. I don't know many dogs that would keep one on.

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Jo to AngelaDuke 2012/06/12 20:43:29

*sigh* I'm pretty sure thats what it refers to; the term "seat belt" encompasses any kind of safety restraint to be used in the seat.

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dimwit 2012/06/12 18:53:24

No

+2
The people who came up with this ordinance need to be trussed in the trunk of a vehicle with a leaky exhaust system.

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Kronan_1 2012/06/12 18:38:17

No

+4
if motorcyclists are not required to wear helmets , then seat belts should be optional equipment. I won't wear them anyway. That's my choice. that is legal.

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Michelle to Kronan_1 2012/06/12 20:40:41

+2
It may be legal in some places, but it's stupid. You'd have to be an idiot not to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. I've driven one down highways, and all it takes is one driver not seeing you (because most drivers don't keep a sharp eye out for motorcyclists if you aren't one yourself) or one driver trying to share your lane or something equally dumb at a high-enough speed for them to kill you. Even a low-speed accident, without a helmet, can become lethal.

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Kronan_1 to Michelle 2012/06/13 01:28:55

I agree it's stupid. I knew a beautiful girl that was also smart. They repealed the helmet law here in Ky. She went on a ride with her boyfriend , he crashed . Neither had helmets . She's still as pretty but her brains are scrambled and she's dumber than a box of rocks. A helmet could have prevented that.

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Grandpa to Kronan_1 2012/06/13 13:16:56

Can you prove that ???? Or are you like so many others asumeing that ????/

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Kronan_1 to Grandpa 2012/06/13 15:04:39

I knew the girl before and after the crash. I saw her in the hospital. A helmet would have protected her from such head traima. What do you think?

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