Should Dogs Be Allowed On a Driver's Lap?
Representative 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.
On the Middletown Patch Facebook page, most readers agreed that the legislation should move forward.
"It is a great distraction to have a dog," said Niko Merritt on Facebook. "In the lap or running free all over the car while a person is driving. It worries me when I see that."
Joann Koehler agreed. "Poor dog doesn't stand a chance," she wrote. "Keep them safe. Their like our children."
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
What do you think? Do you think it should be illegal for a dog to be on a driver's lap?
M.K. Corriveau
6:53 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Really????... is this what we elected our State Represenatives for? This is right up there with the New Liquor rule requiring all Bars, Restaurants, and Liquor Stores to account for all liquor sales. With one of the highest unemployment in the country we are going to fine drivers because FiFi is sitting on their laps... Get Real folks and get back to working on what you were elected to do and not your own personal agendas.
M.K. Corriveau
Middletown
chris v
9:01 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
It should be against the law..you cant text and drive but having a living thing moving around on your lap is ok...it is a major distraction plus what happens if you have to turn quick to avoid something or hit the brakes the animal goes flying and distracts you even more..why not just put a baby on your lap or a small child...BECAUSE ITS NOT SAFE!!!
EJ fINOCCHIO, D.V.M.
9:30 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
It is unfortunate that we can not legislate common sense. Keeping children and pets in cars on hot or frigid days. Leaving pets outside in adverse weather conditions without proper shelter. With all the other problems we have in todays society, we have to address these issues and take up valuable time because people are just clueless.
Jay Down South in Dixie
9:42 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mutt Romney's "on the roof" solution looks like pure genius.
East side
11:02 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Lap dances are not typical in the car so animals should not be on anyone's lap in the car. It's pure common sense. Look at the picture above, is this person attentive and ready to take corrective action should a child run in front of this persons car?
Dogtrainer
1:38 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
My client's husband was dragged 80 feet and totally degloved by a driver distracted by an unrestrained dog. Dogs become projectiles just like humans do in a crash. Also, if there is a crash, most dogs will run from the crash vehicle when first responders open the door or use the Jaws of Life. Lots of dogs are lost or killed on roadways when this happens. They also jump out of car windows. If you wear a seatbelt, do it for your dog, too.
Robyn Spagnolo
5:13 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Absolutely not. I saw an older woman with two small dogs on her lap and she was tring to make a turn and couldn't even do that. Far too dangerous. Agree that you aren't supposed to text and drive but a dog that is not restrained can be even more of a hazard