Dogs Can Make Great Driving Companions, But They Can Also Cause Crashes

Americans adore their dogs, and with 68 million households welcoming at least one canine companion, it’s clear they’re family members as much as pets. But while dogs bring comfort and joy, they can also bring danger, especially when they ride along in the car.

In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities. The majority were linked to speeding, drunk driving, or failure to wear seatbelts. But an alarming 3,275 deaths were attributed to distracted driving. While mobile phones dominate the distracted driving conversation, dogs are a growing and under-recognized part of the problem.

This new study by DeMayo Law Offices explores which dog breeds are most likely to cause accidents, why it happens, and what drivers can do to keep their pets and themselves safe.

Pet ownership is booming. Roughly 94 million U.S. households own a pet, with Millennials (30%) leading the way, followed closely by Baby Boomers and Gen X. Dogs remain America’s favorite pet, with nearly 90 million nationwide—that’s one dog for every four people.

Spending reflects this devotion. In 2024, Americans spent $151.9 billion on their pets, with 2025 projections nearing $157 billion. On average, households spend about $1,733 annually on pets, and dogs account for the largest share—about $1,533 per year for food, vet care, grooming, toys, and more.

Beyond the financial investment, dogs offer countless benefits: 80% of owners say their dog reduces loneliness, and over half report hitting recommended weekly exercise goals thanks to regular walks. Yet, despite the joy they bring, dogs in cars pose a hidden risk.

Dogs in Cars: A Serious Driving Hazard

The NHTSA’s distracted driving fatality data highlights a worrying trend: 1 in 4 pet owners admit to holding their dog while braking, and nearly 20% admit to blocking their dog from climbing into the front seat mid-drive.

Studies show that older drivers who always travel with pets experience nearly double the crash rate of those who do not. Alarmingly, 84% of dog owners transport their pets without a restraint, while 52% pet their dogs while driving, and 17% let their dogs sit on their lap.

These behaviors are not just distracting—they’re dangerous. Dogs riding in the front seat create added risks, from drivers engaging with them more frequently to the lethal threat of airbags deploying during crashes.

Which Breeds Are the Best—and Worst—Driving Companions?

The study ranked popular breeds by temperament, size, and trainability to measure “car readiness.”

Among the least popular breeds, calmer companions like the Bergamasco Sheepdog and Sussex Spaniel were top-ranked for car travel, while sensitive or anxious breeds like the Sloughi and Norwegian Lundehund were identified as poor car passengers.

The Physics of Pet Danger

Unrestrained dogs aren’t just distracting—they can become deadly projectiles. Safety testing shows a 10-pound dog in a 50 mph crash can exert 500 pounds of force, while an 80-pound dog in a 30 mph crash can generate over 2,400 pounds of force. These forces are enough to seriously injure passengers and kill pets.

Yet only 16% of drivers currently use restraints. Options such as crash-tested harnesses, booster seats, and travel crates can dramatically reduce these risks.

Keeping Pets and People Safe

Beyond equipment, owners should prepare their dogs for travel. Training calm behavior, ensuring regular breaks, and considering the breed temperament can all reduce distraction. For long trips, planning with pet-friendly accommodations and avoiding heat exposure in parked cars is essential.

While phones, in-vehicle technology, and other passengers remain leading sources of distraction, dogs add a unique, preventable risk. With 94 million households owning dogs, addressing this issue is more urgent than ever.

“Dogs are loyal companions, but in the car, they can quickly turn into hazards if left unrestrained,” said a spokesperson from DeMayo Law Offices. “Knowing your pet’s temperament, investing in proper restraints, and putting safety first can prevent tragic accidents. Both people and pets deserve to get home safely.”

With Americans projected to spend over $157 billion on pets in 2025, investing in safe travel solutions is a small price to pay for protecting family, both human and canine.

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