For millions of Americans, the sight of a happy dog’s head sticking out of a car window is the very definition of joy. With 68 million households owning at least one dog, these companions are part of nearly every aspect of daily life, including car rides. But a new analysis from DeMayo Law Offices warns that dogs in the car are not always just cute passengers. They can also be deadly distractions.
In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities. While drunk driving, speeding, and seatbelt neglect account for the majority of these deaths, 3,275 fatalities were caused by distracted driving. Cell phones dominate the discussion of distracted driving, but experts say unrestrained dogs are an overlooked and rising threat.
The Double-Edged Sword of Dog Ownership
Dogs provide proven mental and physical health benefits. Nearly 80% of owners say their dog reduces loneliness, and more than 50% report they hit weekly exercise targets thanks to their pets. On a cultural level, dogs are central to American life. Spending reflects this devotion: in 2024 alone, $151.9 billion was spent on pets, with 2025 estimates reaching $157 billion.
But car rides introduce risks. A survey of pet owners revealed that 1 in 4 drivers admitted to holding their dog while braking, while nearly 20% reported stopping their pet from climbing into the front seat mid-drive. Those split-second diversions can be enough to cause catastrophic accidents.
The Hidden Risks of Dogs in Cars
The numbers are sobering:
- 84% of drivers travel with pets unrestrained.
- 52% admit to petting their dog while driving.
- 17% let their dog sit on their lap behind the wheel.
Beyond distraction, physics makes dogs dangerous in a crash. A 10-pound dog in a 50 mph collision can exert 500 pounds of force, while an 80-pound dog in a 30 mph crash can create 2,400 pounds of force. Those impacts can injure pets and severely harm human passengers.
Which Breeds Are Most Distracting?
The report analyzed the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. and ranked them for car readiness based on temperament, size, and trainability.
- Best Road Companions: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles excel, thanks to their calm natures and trainability.
- Most Challenging: Beagles and Dachshunds, beloved for their spirited personalities, can become erratic and difficult to manage in the car.
- High-Risk Considerations: Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, while immensely popular, are especially vulnerable during trips due to breathing difficulties, which can worsen in confined spaces or warmer conditions.
Lesser-known breeds such as the Bergamasco Sheepdog and Sussex Spaniel ranked as surprisingly car-friendly, while highly anxious breeds like the Norwegian Lundehund were deemed poor travel companions.
Regional Differences
America’s dog preferences also influence the risks. Labrador Retrievers dominate in the Midwest and West, while Golden Retrievers are most popular in the Northeast. French Bulldogs top the list in urban areas like New York and Los Angeles, where compact size is a selling point for city living. However, their popularity doesn’t guarantee safe car rides, especially if they are unrestrained in bustling city traffic.
Solutions: Keeping Dogs and Drivers Safe
Despite the dangers, only 16% of drivers currently use restraints for their pets. Safety experts recommend:
- Crash-tested harnesses like the Sleepypod Clickit Sport or Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness.
- Booster seats or travel crates for smaller dogs.
- Car barriers or hammocks to keep pets in the back seat and away from drivers.
Training also plays a crucial role. Teaching dogs to remain calm and minimizing their movement in vehicles reduces the likelihood of dangerous distractions.
More Than Just a Pet Problem
“Dogs are family, and Americans love taking them everywhere from daily errands to cross-country road trips,” said a spokesperson from DeMayo Law Offices. “But when they’re left unrestrained, they’re not just pets. They’re distractions, projectiles, and sometimes, the cause of devastating accidents. The good news is that solutions exist, and a little preparation goes a long way toward protecting both people and pets.
