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Restrained dog survives fatal car crash
By Phyllis DeGioia
August 27, 2009
In Utah last month, a 2007 Nissan Murano - one of those mixed breed car/SUVs referred to as a crossover – was hit head on by a Ford F-150 pickup. Despite a seat belt and air bags, the driver was killed on impact. Her restrained dog, however, survived the crash in fairly good shape.
According to Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) , a dog was in the back seat of the Murano but was restrained and survived the collision with no significant injuries. Lieutenant Lee Perry of the UHP tried to find out exactly how the dog was restrained, but could not figure out which Mendon fire fighter removed the dog. “I just know they told me the dog had been restrained. Mary Doty’s family also told me she always restrained her dog in the back,” said Lt. Perry.
Mary Doty believed strongly in animal therapy, and her therapy dog was highly popular around the Utah State University where she worked as the director of the counseling center. Her dog was frequently in the car with her.
This summer I wrote a product comparison article on pet restraints (for Tuft’s Your Dog newsletter, which is not available online) so the news hit me hard. Some of the restraints were better than others, but any restraint is better than none. I felt that the safest restraint was the RuffRider Roadie Elite, but because there is no buckle it has to slip over the dog’s head and chest. Dodger hated getting it on and off because he is a sensitive type, so for him I use his regular harness attached to the seat belt with the connector from the Solvit Pet Vehicle Safety Harness (the fleece-lined harness is a higher quality than you’d think for the low price). I also like the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness. The trick is find a harness that your dog doesn’t mind going off and on, and one that fits appropriately. Some folks use anchored crates. What you never want to do is tether to a dog’s collar because it could injure the neck and in a collision the neck could easily be broken. Cats should be confined in a cat carrier or small crate.
Whatever product or system you find works best for your dogs and vehicle, the key is to USE IT each and every time your dog is in the car. Mary Doty is surely glad her dog survived even if (or especially because) she didn’t.
(Photo reprinted with permission from Utah Highway Patrol.)
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My horrible confession: Although I have crates in the van that are always in use, I sometimes let the old dog ride unrestrained in the front seat. The puppy has done so, a few times, too.
No more. I have restraints, and we’ll be using them, even for “just a short trip.”
Sign me,
Scared enough to Buckle Up Always
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 27, 2009 @ 6:21 am
My dog and cat always ride in secure, appropriately sized crates when traveling with me, regardless of the distance. This is a great reminder to give the furry members of our families the same security we have, and I’m very glad for the reminder. I wonder though, what happens to Ms. Doty’s companion now? She had the foresight to always restrain her dog, I hope that she also made plans for this unfortunate circumstance. It’s a sad story all around, but my heart is heaviest for the now lonely dog.
Comment by Nydia — August 27, 2009 @ 6:48 am
My dog and I were rear-ended back in June on an interstate. Allie was secured in the back of my car with a generic doggie seat belt, but the force of the crash shattered the plastic clasp and also totaled my car). I contacted Phyllis after the accident and she recommended the Ruffrider. We’ve been using it ever since.
Comment by Susan — August 27, 2009 @ 7:14 am
Ruffrider doesn’t appear to actually sell a size that would fit my dog. So we make do with a couple of other kinds of car harnesses, which may not be The Best, but appear to be The Best That Will Fit Her Correctly.
Comment by Lis — August 27, 2009 @ 8:47 am
Yup - little dogs get the short end of the stick yet again . . . . .
Comment by The OTHER Pat — August 27, 2009 @ 9:17 am
While testing restraints, I realized the difficulty in sizing. I don’t pay for the tested items, but if you have to buy it it’s important to know how it will fit, and it’s not easy because of inconsistent sizing. From years of doing product testing I can say this is true across the board for pet products. If it’s at all possible, try on a restraint before you buy it, or have the ability to exchange it.
Like Gina, I have a confession: I have let my 13-year old Ginger go without a restraint because she is somewhat inbetween sizes. But after hearing about this accident, that will end.
Comment by Phyllis DeGioia — August 27, 2009 @ 9:35 am
How can Mary Doty be glad of anything? She died.
Comment by GHWaite — August 27, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Guess we know where you stand on the possibility of there being more than this one life. How sad for you.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 27, 2009 @ 10:18 am
Another issue to keep in mind - like small kids, dogs riding in the front seat can be injured or killed by an airbag in a head-on collision. In cars with airbag systems that use a weight sensor for the passenger side, small dogs may not be heavy enough to turn the bag on, but big dogs like our 80 lb Lab definitely are.
Comment by LauraL — August 27, 2009 @ 10:19 am
I took my two rabbits halfway across the country with me. Why shouldn’t they go on vacation too?
They were in a roomy carrier that was cushioned with a lot of towels. I secured that carrier with the seatbelt and by pushing the seat up so the carrier was wedged by the seat and the dashboard.
Yes, I had them in the front with me. Next time I’ll secure them in the back. I like for them to be able to see me, which I why I put them in the front.
I always wonder if it bothers them to ride in the car sideways. The carrier is easier to secure if I put it sideways.
Comment by Mary Mary — August 27, 2009 @ 10:54 am
According to the news article, the driver of the 1994 F-150 [no air bags] is in stable condition with a few broken bones.
Yes, I love love love my F-150.
Also: I can turn the passenger airbag off when I have a dog in the front seat.
A few years back, a contributor posted on a protection sport forum that her truck had been hit head-on on the freeway and her dogs — crated in VariKennel-type crates in the truck bed w/ camper shell — were unhurt. Her worst injury was a broken jaw [IIRC] and she was able to scramble out of her vehicle and check on her dogs.
Comment by Luisa — August 27, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
I just got the RuffRider Roadie Elite for my dog and he hates getting into to, but I am training him to, because its for his on safety. Thanks for the great article and making me realise how important dog safety is while driving.
Comment by fremont vet — August 27, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
You’re right, Luisa, those Ford F-150s are terrific for safety. They should be, they weigh enough!
Mary Mary, 25 years ago (before airbags) I took a rabbit with me on the road in his regular cage in the front seat. I don’t think buns care about riding sideways - Bernstein didn’t seem to mind. Is there room for their carrier on the passenger side floor if you move the seat all the way back? Your system sounds pretty good to me, wedged in there so it can’t shift, as long as there is no air bag. I think it’s the restraint that matters, not the front or back seat.
Comment by Phyllis DeGioia — August 27, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
We have always restrained our pup since she was real little - We believe that the CHAMPION Canine Seat Belt System, which is extremely easy to put on (step-in harness) and uses by far the heaviest material in the business (a dog seatbelt should not be of any lower quality then I expect to find in a car). We have a system for each car and it is very easy to move to a friend’s when traveling.I would love to carry these in our boutique, but because of demand they are not currently accepting new customers, but they do sell direct at: http://usak9outfitters.com/CCSS.htm - Thanks so much for this great article and bringing this to the attention of all pet owner.
Comment by Christopher Woodside — August 27, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
There are a lot of systems out there, but the one that I have used and the only one that I know of that has been Crash Tested is from Snoozer Pet Products. You can see and read more here http://www.snoozerpetproducts......-p-61.html
The website says that it has been crash tested up to 30 lbs. I asked how that is and I was told that they used a child crash test dummy that is use for testing kids car seats.
Comment by Danny — August 27, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
You know … it really would be more ethical if you all admitted you were posting because you are the manufacturer or are paid to post BY the manufacturer.
We’re NOT STUPID.
Your products may be great, but your “viral” marketing efforts posing as customers are sleazy as hell.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 27, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
And have guaranteed that I, for one, will never buy anything from either of them. So there. *flounce*
Comment by Susan Fox — August 27, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
Phyllis,
I don’t like the idea of putting rabbits on the floor because of the traffic fumes coming in the vents. In traffic jams, I already worry about the exhaust blowing in and bothering them.
Which is another reason for putting them in the back seat. But then I can’t pet them at red lights.
PS: “Bernstein?” Love it!
Comment by Mary Mary — August 27, 2009 @ 6:33 pm
I’m pretty good about keeping them seat belted or crated & in the back seat. But have to admit when Rem [the chi] cries,I have let him up in the front seat unrestrained.Not anymore though. It is hard to find good restraints for small dogs.
Comment by Leslie K — August 28, 2009 @ 5:47 am
Sure giant pickup trucks are very safe for the people inside them, not so safe for the cars they ram into…
Comment by Sheyna — August 28, 2009 @ 6:06 am
I hesitate, but need to respond to the posting from Gina Spadafori and her ‘mini me’ follower, Susan Fox. I find it ashame that people jump to and post their comments without any research what so ever. This becomes a very fine line of slander and is just STUPID to quote Gina. I do not work for the company I spoke for, in fact I have never even talked directly to anybody that works for the company except the sale division. Believe it or not Gina some people do really believe in the products that they use and believe they could help others.
I listed my full name in the posting and the simplest of Google searches would lead you to our website for a little boutique in Baltimore, MD or you could call the company and verify before spewing you misguided opinions.
Gina, as the “executive editor” of Pet Connection we expect more from you, no, your followers deserve more from you - try using you so-called “editor” skills next time before spewing you hate! (also, as editor, you must of had access to my email and website for my postings, now that makes the research REAL easy!)
Comment by Christopher Woodside — August 28, 2009 @ 7:28 am
Christopher, in addition to your self-promoting post for your boutique — which I approved because you DID use your name — there were a good dozen post from others that didn’t make it through moderation.
In other words, it isn’t all about YOU, although clearly that’s how you see it. And congrats: Not only didn’t you promote your business AGAIN, you managed to mention where it is and that it’s on web as well.
We get hundreds and hundreds of comments a week. The first time anyone comments, it’s moderated. After one “clear” it’s not.
We get about a hundred comments a week that are “paid to play” comments, that make a minimal statement and then link to a business or product.
This post attracted more than its share of viral marketing, most of which never saw the light of day and is now moldering in the spam filter.
Your instinct to “hesitate,” in other words, was right on. Too bad you didn’t listen to it.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 28, 2009 @ 7:35 am
Well, thank you Gina. Please don’t try to hide what you originally meant, there are only 2 posting lister aboue your that mention other product websites, and you post did clearly say “you all” which the last time I checked encompasses everybody. As for the self promotion, I never mentioned my website (ans I see you also neglected to connect the link to it as well - Thanks!) and only listed the town for you apparent need for help in full, complete editing. I am also sorry for the spam you receive, but that has absolutly nothing to do with me and your post never mentioned to those that read this that is was directed to those that did not get posted (again misinformation). And, to finally answer the question that you yourself asked - Yes, I do believe now that you are stupid by your own unprofessionl, misinformed, and totally misguided responses to the subject of the posting. We also have a blog (hint, hint)(LOL) and receive that same spam and negative response that you complain about, but as a professional, we do not attack readers of our site, especially with incorrect, opinionated personal views. - Keep in mind this is not your personal blog and you have a real responsability to the public to present true facts. Next time, I suggest that you hesitate and just delete the posts that you disagree with or at least do the smallest big of homework. By the way, I am not the only person you attacked or belittled on this post, GROW UP!
Comment by Christopher Woodside — August 28, 2009 @ 8:01 am
Christopher Woodside
Pretentious Pooch
1017 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(443) 524-7777
http://www.pretentiouspooch.com/
There. Now you have no more reason to troll here. Your bald-faced pitches for your business are over.
As for what I “originally meant,” I think it’s pretty clear: Using comments that purport to engage in discussion in order to advertise a product or business is sleazy.
And it still is. Which is why you, too, are now off to the spam filter.
By the way: We don’t delete the posts we disagree with. We delete spam and trolls only. And you’re now both.
Furthermore, this is my “personal Web site” in a way, since I co-own it.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 28, 2009 @ 8:16 am
I’m really offended by Gina’s tone and actions here. She didn’t have to post Chris’s further comments if she didn’t want them. He is not a spammer or a troll, but an upstanding citizen of the Baltimore community and a generous donor to many pet causes. In his original post, he did not mention the name of his store or even the city, and I know for a fact they don’t carry that product since I am a customer. And no, he didn’t ask me to write this. But these are hard-working, ethical people and if I don’t say something, I will regret it.
Even if the reverse was true, take the high road. “Sleazy”? Selfish (implied)? An editor should write like they want to be written to. Would your co-owners really approve this foul and petty tone? BAD PR.
I would expect better.
Comment by Baltimoregal — August 28, 2009 @ 8:51 am
Mr. Woodside’s original post looked like comment spam, but was allowed through because he at least posted under his real name. Gina also expressed her opinion of comment spam.
Mr. Woodside’s subsequent behavior demonstrates that he is, at best, self-absorbed and rude. Although he did achieve a brief moment of humor when he said this wasn’t Gina’s personal blog.
And you, Baltimoregal, are not improving his image or increasing the possibility that I’ll at any point choose to do business with him. Quite the reverse, in fact.
Comment by Lis — August 28, 2009 @ 9:21 am
I think we’ve gone about as far as we can on this particular digression.
True discussion is always encouraged, and doesn’t have to be in agreement — in fact we encourage all points of view in our discussions here.
Comment spam and trolling will still be deleted.
Let’s move on now, thanks.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 28, 2009 @ 9:25 am
I’ve been guilty of having one dog ride free while others were crated, but no more. I usually use a seatbelt harness for her (I bought it at Target, have no affiliation except I shop there way too much!) but it does have plastic clips so I think I’ll be looking at some alternatives, including all that have been listed here (whether they were perceived as spam or not). For longer trips, I manage to get a 3rd crate in (can I sing the praises of my Honda Pilot? - so few moderately sized SUVs/crossovers were able to give me crate space!).
I’m glad I can own a moderately sized SUV because I vastly prefer them crated (and am trying to picture 3 retrievers belted in on a back seat!).
As far as yelling puppies - BTDT - started with him in a strapped in crate facing between the front seats. Since he insisted on yelling at me anyway, and we had an 8 hour drive home, so he went in the way back (crated) and I turned the radio up (and sang - I’m lucky he didn’t run back to his breeder!). Somehow, the anguish of waiting for the next pup to arrive via air was a little easier on my nerves.
Comment by Janet Boss — August 28, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Thanks for this story. I have seat belted only one dog and that was a foster I planned to fly to her forever home.
The most revealing part of this discussion is the leashing a dog into a car via his collar. LIGHT BULB moment. Thanks to whoever pointed that out as a MAJOR error in pet safety. I work with children with spinal cord injury everyday. And, DUH! Never even clicked in the brain cells that I was putting a dog at risk for a similar or worse injury with that leash and collar.
On my out to get a seat belt harness of whatever brand with metal clips.
Thanks again.
Comment by Katrina — August 28, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
I was doing some research into looking after a dog in a car…. was expecting something like “put a blanket down”… 0.o… hand’t occurred to me they could wear seatbelts! how obscure.
Comment by x — September 12, 2009 @ 1:24 am
Unfortunately, there aren’t as many harness options for little dogs. I secure my Yorkies in a booster seat, belted in tightly and a good quality harness vest with no Velcro.
Please do not use a plastic crate strapped to the seat. Crash tests done in Germany show that in as little as a 30mph crash, the seat belt crushes the crate and the the animal is left free to be thrown around the car. A steel crate may not be any better if the door can pop open. With a soft crate, the zippers would likely break apart. You are better off with some type of harness restraint.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
Comment by Marla — September 24, 2009 @ 9:48 am
Marla … a good hard-plastic crate for a small dog is made of the same material as one for a big dog. These carriers have survived intact in fatal plane crashes and through countless car crashes.
A high-end crate from a reputable manufacturer should be just fine, for any size cat or dog.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — September 24, 2009 @ 9:53 am