Man's best friend is not a driver's best friend. While lawmakers have been banning drivers from texting or using cellphones, many motorists are riding around with another dangerous risk -- their dogs. Experts say an unrestrained dog -- whether curled up on a lap, hanging out the window or resting its paws on the steering wheel -- can be deadly. Tens of thousands of car accidents are believed caused every year by unrestrained pets. Hawaii is the only state that specifically forbids drivers from operating a vehicle with a pet on their lap. Author Stephen King suffered several broken bones and a collapsed lung when he was hit by a driver who claimed he was distracted by his dog. A pet that weighs 50 lbs, in a 35 mph collision, is projected forward like a cannonball with 1,500 lbs of force.
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