Ruff ride? Why dogs should buckle up as death rate for fluffy friends in car accidents is high, research finds

DAILYMAIL.COM • 3h ago

By ROGER DOBSON 00:05 04 Oct 2026, updated 00:28 04 Oct 2026

It’s second nature for anyone getting into a car to put on a seatbelt – and it seems the time has come to make sure your dog buckles up, too.

Four decades since it became a legal requirement for drivers and front-seat passengers to wear a seatbelt, academics say man’s best friend should have their own bespoke version when riding in a car.

It comes as research reveals the death rate for dogs in vehicle accidents is high, with almost 10 per cent of canines involved in the 268 incidents examined dying and 28 per cent being so badly hurt they had to be rushed to a vet.

The analysis also found that the smallest breeds, which are more prone to being thrown about, were at the highest risk of death.

The Highway Code recommends animals should be ‘suitably restrained’ to prevent distractions to drivers.

But while seatbelts for humans are strictly regulated and tested, those for animals are not.

As such, academics want further work to be done to create harnesses which keep pets safe.

This includes looking at different restraints suitable for varying sizes of dog.

Writing in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, the Colorado State University team said: ‘As pets increasingly travel as vehicle occupants, their safety can no longer rely on unregulated products and anecdotal evidence.’

They added that to prevent deaths, ‘evidence-based’ restraints were now needed.

Meghan steps into the limelight: Duchess leaves Claridge’s wearing £28,000 outfit accompanied by…

Prince Harry reveals he ‘slipped into depression’ after Megxit as he opens up in candid interview…

Three sisters who drowned at Brighton beach died in suicide pact after visiting place where their…

Husband of ‘murdered’ royal GP ‘hit her over head with an axe and strangled her during children’s…

Zara Tindall reveals how her tough-love upbringing with Princess Anne and ‘critical’ Mark Phillips…

Violent ‘traveller burglary squads’ suspected of 50 house break-ins as Met Police accused of failing…

Andrew WINS High Court battle as police admit raids on Sandringham and Windsor were unlawful

Earl Spencer criticises Princess Anne for ‘making me feel small’ with withering response to question…

Three years after images of their kidnap shocked the world Noa Argamani’s ex-boyfriend describes his…

Coronation Street and Brookside actor Eric Potts faces prison after being found with indecent images…

Estate agent left with £200,000 court bill after losing battle with millionaire former rally driver…

Toddler Star Hobson’s mother is released from prison six years after she allowed the 16-month-old to…

Millions of residents across UK to be banned from charging electric cars on streets outside their…

Jaw-dropping new bodycam shows boy, 6, curse and threaten cops moments after he shot his teacher…

Britain’s new breed of ‘boy racers’ risking YOUR lives for kicks and clicks: MIMI YATES goes…

Polanski’s moment of truth: Green leader insists he ‘can win’ Holborn by-election as voting gets…

Death rate for dogs in car accidents is high, research findsComments are subject to our House rules and TermsNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}}

No one seems to have shared their thoughts on this topic yetLeave a comment so your voice will be heard first.

{{upVotes}}{{downVotes}}{{#replies.comments}}{{^isLast}}{{initials}}{{userAlias}}, United Kingdom, {{formattedDateAndTime}}{{message}}

{{upVotes}}{{downVotes}}{{/isLast}}{{#isLast}}{{initials}}{{userAlias}}, United Kingdom, {{formattedDateAndTime}}{{message}}

{{upVotes}}{{downVotes}}{{/isLast}}{{/replies.comments}}{{/replies.totalCount}}{{^replies.totalCount}}{{initials}}{{userAlias}}, United Kingdom, {{formattedDateAndTime}}{{message}}

{{upVotes}}{{downVotes}}{{/replies.totalCount}}{{/isComment}}The opinions and views expressed in the comments section are solely those of the individual users and do not represent or reflect the opinions, views, or positions of MailOnline. MailOnline does not endorse, support, or verify the accuracy of any user-generated content.Terms|Privacy|FeedbackOldest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}}