How much is that doggie in the window?

Figure of speech -

"Excuse me, does your dog have its drivers license? No? Well why is the dog in your lap while you drive?"

I really wish I could say this to every driver out there that I see driving with their dogs in their lap.

While out of town last week I was waiting at the lights and a gentleman across the way was also waiting - with his dog at the helm. I have nothing against bringing animals for a ride, as my dog enjoys the adventure, however, she does so from the back seat. The main reason was demonstrated as this gentleman tried to turn his steering wheel while his dog was sitting in his lap. Not only was the animal completely obstructing his ability to do this simple task, but it also diverted his attention from the surrounding traffic and could have ultimately caused an accident.

To be fair, I see these dogs driving everywhere throughout my daily travels. In Lewisporte it's especially common.

I don't have many pet peeves (pardon the pun), but this is one of them. Not only are the drivers endangering those around them by not paying complete attention to the task at hand, but they are also not considering the dangers to their pets. By riding in their lap, the animal is at more of a risk of serious injury or death if an accident does occur. A deployed air bag can break a person's nose or jaw bone in the event of an accident, so imagine what it might do if your pet is right there on the steering wheel when a collision occurs. The results would not be a pretty sight as Fido is either thrown into your face or out the back window.

It frustrates me to no end when drivers who have their pets in their laps do not consider this possibility.

Not only are the vehicles in the vicinity, the driver, passengers and dog in danger, but the RCMP can also issue a ticket if something were to happen. If proven that an accident did occur due to reaching for or moving the dog you could be issued a summary offence ticket for driving without due care and attention.

Next time you go for a drive, consider how much that doggie, that we see driving in your lap, is worth?