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It may be oh so tempting to keep your dog in your lap while driving in South Carolina.
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And it’s not illegal.
But it’s also not a great idea.
Like texting (which is illegal), animals in laps are a distraction. The American Automobile Association said the math is against you in a crash. A 10-pound dog at 50 mph will exert 500 pounds of pressure. Not good.
It’s even worse if the airbag deploys.
“A car is not the place to cuddle,” the AAA says. “And you should keep your animal out of the front seat anyway. Tempting as it is to interact by feeding, petting, or snapping photos of your pet, stay focused and keep both hands on the wheel. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash.”
Only Hawaii and New Jersey specifically outlaw driving with a pet in your lap.
AAA says about 20% of drivers they surveyed said they have allowed their pet to sit in their lap.
But there is a catch.
If a South Carolina Highway Patrolman thinks your pet is a distraction you can be ticketed.
The state’s distracted driving law most often refers to people using cell phones, but it includes any distraction.
Highway Patrol says South Carolina averages two crashes every hour involving a distracted driver.
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South Carolina ties for 7th worst drivers in the U.S., the South Carolina Department of Insurance said.
Nationally, traffic collisions involving distracted drivers killed 3,308 people and injured 289,310 people in 2022. Also, 621 people on bikes or walking were killed.
Fines for distracted driving are first offense $100 fine plus applicable court fees, second and subsequent offenses (within three years) $200 fine plus applicable court fees and two points on the driving record. That’s if there’s no crash and no one is injured, that would be a felony, carrying up to 25 years in prison.
AAA has some better ideas.
Use a crate or if your car is not big enough a sling attached to a back seat buckle. This will give an anxious dog a place to decompress and relax.
Make them comfortable with blankets and toys.
If your dog is prone to car sickness, feed them several hours ahead of time or skip food altogether until you’ve arrived at your destination.
“They’ll be OK: Temporary hunger is better than nausea,” the AAA said.
Pack cleaning supplies just in case.
The AAA said a 2020 study by the Sydney School of Veterinary Science showed calming music can reduce stress in dogs.
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Classical, soft rock, reggae, and Motown were found to be soothing.
Stay away from heavy metal, the AAA said.