There is no question whether or not an animal in a drivers lap is safe. With the recent laws regarding texting and driving, I believe this situation has been overlooked.
Driving with an UNRESTRAINED pet in the front seat is very widespread and several states are considering a ban on the practice.
In 2010, AAA conducted a study with these results:
- 21% of drivers who transported their dogs in the last year said they let it ride on their lap
- 7% said they'd fed or given water to the dog while driving
- 5% admitted to playing with the dog while driving
- 31% said that the dog had distracted them, regardless of where it was in the car
I believe that everyone has the right to travel with pets in their car. The problem is that WHEN PETS ARE IN A DRIVERS LAP, IT CREATES A DISTRACTION.