Aussie pets are causing costly car damage and driver distractions

Australians love taking their pets on the road, but new research from Australian insurance company Youi suggests our furry passengers may be causing more problems than many owners realise.

 A national survey of more than 1000 Australians found more than one-third of pet owners have experienced vehicle damage caused by their pets, while many also reported distractions behind the wheel, including dogs attempting to sit on the driver's lap, obstructing visibility or causing drivers to take their eyes off the road.

Taking the dog to the beach or bringing the family pet on a road trip has become a normal part of life for many Australians.

According to Youi's latest research, 86 per cent of pet owners travel with their animals in the car, making pets some of the country's most frequent passengers.

But sharing the cabin with a four-legged companion can come at a cost.

More than one-third of respondents who transport pets said they had experienced vehicle damage caused by their animals. Torn or scratched interior trim was the most common issue, alongside excessive cleaning and scratched paintwork.

The survey also found more than one in four pet owners allow their animals to travel freely inside the vehicle. While 19 per cent let pets roam in the rear seat, seven per cent allow them in the front seat.

That freedom can quickly become a distraction.

More than one-third of dog owners who travel with their pets reported experiencing a pet-related distraction or safety incident while driving. The most common problem involved dogs trying to climb onto the driver's lap, while others said their pet caused them to look away from the road, blocked visibility or escaped from a restraint while the vehicle was moving.

The findings reinforce advice previously highlighted by pet travel experts, who warn that many behaviours owners view as harmless or even cute can increase risks for drivers, passengers and pets.

Driving with a pet on your lap or unrestrained can attract significant penalties depending on the state or territory, while allowing dogs to hang their heads out the window, obstruct a driver's view or move freely around the cabin can create serious distractions. Our carsales advice has also highlighted the importance of using pet restraints, harnesses or carriers to reduce the risk of injury during sudden braking or a collision.

The latest survey data appears to support that advice.

Respondents who transported pets in a carrier or crate reported fewer distractions and incidents overall, while drivers travelling with pets on their lap reported the highest rate of crashes and near misses.

There were also clear differences between states.

Victorians were the most likely to travel with pets in the front seat, while South Australians were more likely to use a carrier or crate.

New South Wales residents were the biggest users of pet restraints and harnesses.

According to Animal Medicines Australia, pet ownership remains high across Australia which means more animals are likely to be joining families on everyday commutes, weekend adventures and long-distance road trips.

While a scratched seat or muddy boot liner may be part of pet ownership, the research suggests properly securing animals could reduce both repair bills and driving risks.

For motorists travelling with pets, a carrier, crate or harness may not just protect the vehicle, it could also help prevent distractions when they matter most.

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