Observation: Drivers with Dogs in the their laps

[kairos12]

I love dogs. I saw today a person driving with a smallish dog in her lap. I figure with all the news about airbags injuring and killing people these days pet owners would be more protective of their animals. Maybe it's a case of it won't happen to me so never mind.

[Wounded Bear]

1. I think that is illegal in most places...

if not, it should be. Perfect case of distracted driving.

[Iggo]

2. ...are fucking stupid. (n/t)

[Major Nikon]

3. If you get into an accident, anything unsecured in the cab becomes a missile

The only safe way to transport an animal is in a secured pet carrier. Pet carriers protect both the human and animal occupants.

[PasadenaTrudy]

4. I've been seeing this lately too

Pisses me off! Good way to get into an accident. Dogs belong in the back seat tied down. Mine has a little car seat she's buckled into.

[Pakhet]

5. My mom's Chihuahua likes to sit on my shoulder.

I prefer her buckled into her car seat..

[Rhiannon12866]

6. My dog wears a seatbelt when he's riding in the car

Not only for his protection, but because a lively dog can be a real distraction for the driver. It's actually the law in New Jersey, but it's also just common sense.

My dog, Jack

[kairos12]

10. What a face. Love it.

[Cooley Hurd]

15. Jackiepup!

[Orrex]

7. I'm sure that those people consider their dogs to be "their children"

So...

[pintobean]

11. I occasionally let mine steer

[Orrex]

12. You let your steer on your lap?

[pintobean]

13. Only when navigating through bullshit.

[LiberalElite]

16. So... - what?

I don't get your point.

[Orrex]

17. So if they drive with their children on their laps, they're dangerous idiots.

Therefore, they either don't really consider their dogs to be "their children," or they have absolutely no regard for "their children's" safety.

If you find this a false dichotomy, I invite you to offer other options.

[magical thyme]

8. I saw one in a driver's lap the other day. Maybe worse was the puppy in the passenger seat

Or rather, in the hands of the passenger, being held up to the wide open window.

Stupid, stupid, and did I mention fucking stupid?!?!

[fizzgig]

9. i once saw a woman driving with a full grown german shepard in her lap

[trof]

14. Our German Shepherd, Max:

I drove a mini-van and Max loved to ride.
Any time the weather wasn't too hot, I'd take him with me while running errands.
He always rode shotgun until I got out of the car.
Then he'd move to the driver's seat, sitting up, looking over the steering wheel.
As soon as he saw me coming back, he'd move over.

Once I stopped for gas, and while I was pumping he moved to the driver's seat.
The guy on the other side of the pump said "He looks like he's ready to drive off."
"Well, he's that smart. It wouldn't surprise me."