Legislation advancing at the Illinois statehouse would get motorists in hot water for letting their pet ride on the driver’s lap.
House Bill 2910 provides that a person who holds an animal in the person’s lap while operating a motor vehicle is guilty of a petty offense. The bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Jawaharial Williams, D-Chicago, said pets aren’t covered under distracted driving laws.
“The new law would allow police officers to pull you over if they see that you are driving with an animal in your lap, whatever the animal may be,” said Williams.
Williams cited a AAA survey that showed that 31% of drivers with pets said they have been distracted by their pets while driving, and 20% of drivers who have admitted to driving with the pet on their lap have been involved in accidents.
Offenders would be subject to a $50 fine. The measure moved out of the transportation committee and is headed to the House floor.
Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse WMOK said that there is a current law on the books that covers this – obstruction of drivers mechanism. This law covers any object or animal on the driver’s lap that could impede the smooth operation of the steering wheel or any other operating mechanisms in the vehicle.
Chief Masse said that it’s a law that’s often not enforced until it’s too late. Masse added that “it’s physics 101” – if a vehicle is traveling at 60 mph and crashes into something or suddenly stops – everything in the vehicle is moving at 60 mph until it stops.
Regarding traveling with you pet – Melanie Monteiro of The Safe Dog says the safest way to take your pet along in the car is in a carrier, travel harness or kennel that’s crash-tested and approved by the Center for Pet Safety. Monteiro says it’s ultimately up to drivers to research and use the proper restraints when they have a dog in the car.
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