Why do people drive around with their dog on their lap?

I HEAR YA!!! Yes I have had a close call...not only did the woman have a dog on her lap but she was also talking on her cell phone and almost hit me head on. The dog thing aggervates me to no end because that's worse than a kid running about your car. But, there isn't any laws to prevent a dog sitting on your lap but you'll get a ticket for talking on your cell phone. Seems pretty messed up to me! Atleast the cell phone isn't going to jump in your face and start licking you. That is just my opinion though. Great topic!

I think it all boils down to one reason. Because they can. Its like people who drive and use cell phones. Everyone thinks "Oh that will never happen to me, it only happens to other people. They just don't understand that when you do unsafe things you can and probably will be in an accident some day.

Luckily I've never had a close call due to someone driving with their dog on their lap, nor do I drive around with my own dog on my lap. You're right, animals are family and that should be a reason in itself not to drive around with them on your lap, it could be a danger to traffic, yourself and your dog. Is there any kind of "charge" out there to stop people from doing this? If there isn't, maybe it should be considered as I consider this to be even more dangerous than talking on your cellphone and driving.

It is a hazard, I have a 6 pound yorkie and he loves to ride. However, he's a small dog and can't see out the window...I know this may sound funny, but, I looked online for things that would give him a boost to look out the window like big dogs...I found what they call a "doggie carseat"..lol..He latched around the headrest...WAAA-LAAA dog is safe and can look out the window and enjoy his ride even more..lol.. I too was one of those people who loved to have my dog on my lap...But, that started making me feel uncomfortable like if anything were to happen... GOOD Topic...

I absolutely and whole heartedly agree with you 100 percent. You are right having a pet on your lap while driving is just as dangerous as being on your cell phone if not even more dangerous. If you are to have your dog in a vehicle then he or she should be in a travel keennel or at least sitting out of the drivers view.

I definitely know what you mean. I think there should be a law on this and that if anyone gets caught with their dog on their lap they should get a fine. My husband and I were driving to my mom and dad's house one day and we saw a man driving a motorcycle with this really big dog laying across his lap. I mean a motorcycle come on now! It's bad enough people driving their cars, trucks or vans with their dogs on their laps but this was a motorcycle. Very dangerous. Anyway a couple of days later we were driving to the pharmacy which is right down the hill from my parent's place and we saw the very same guy driving the same motorcycle with the same dog laying across his lap. It really makes me nervous when I see this. People should realize how dangerous this is.

To be honest I have never seen this , any of my friends who have dogs have them in a special harness linked to the seat belt . I am not 100% sure but I think here in Scotland that this has to be done by law and there is a fine if you don't , xx

Why do they do it? Because they are fools. If they cared that much for the pet they wouldn't let them ride there. If the air bag went off that puppy would be no more. I have not had any close calls with people like this but I'm sure it happens a lot.

i dont drive with my pet, my german shepherd.. he sits down in the back seat and just watch me drive when he wants to make some foolish moves he reserves it later after the driving, and if he feels sick of motion he just lay his head down and sometimes just sleep, or just be silent, there was once i put him next to me, and he saw a truck full of pigs and chicken alive, he started to bark and move his head near the window i just said a loud call of this name, THOR!!!? he then sat down and slowly calms down.. see, its in the training my dear, other dogs are not meant to be carried on board especially on lap, when driving, but my thor is too large to be fitted and placed on my lap, heheh^_^ but honestly its never came up to my mind to place him in that position, logic will tell; its a drivers view, it should be clear from obstacles and other disturbing stuffs.. and if your dog is too large no way, or worst, if you know your dog is that foolishly moving around, never do it.. if i got my driver, i actually sit with my thor at the back, and he joyfully does playing when im with him because he know that i wasn't driving.. my dog is intelligent and since he was a pup i disciplined him and loved him so much... but there's just one thing, i cant monitor always... him stealing from my clothes placed on bed, and he'll carry it with his mouth full of saliva and place it on his territory and sleep with it... once i saw my bathrobe on floor and he's sleeping on it, like a mat! instead i get mad i just kneel down and kiss his nose... and he woke up happy but a little guilt in his eyes.. so i say, dogs are to be taught to behave and be enthusiastic in a right place and time... if he knew im serious he is also, if he feels i am thinking deeply he just stay beside me, if im happy and singing he pulls me for attention, and rolls over to play.. ^_^

I have seen close calls like this before, also. It seems as if people would have the brains to know that this is dangerous for themselves, their pet, and for anyone else on the road or walking on the side of the road who could be run over if the driver were distracted enough to lose control. I don't even know if there are laws about this, but if not there should be. This is as dangerous as cell phones in the car, if not more so. If the dog can't be trained to sit on the seat next to the driver or in the back, he should not be in the car. I wonder if that same driver would drive around with his child unrestrained on his lap? I would think not, especially considering the uproar of the world when Britney did that! People just need to stop and think sometimes.

I have to agree with you here and i think that this is just as bad as a child being out of their car seat and riding on your lap! Children are meant to be in car seats and buckled up because it is too dangerous just as dangerous as a pet riding on your lap. It is dangerous and there should be a law against this for sure!

oh! my best friend used to let her little doggie roam the car ALL THE TIME! it drove me bonkers. we have a 100 pound lab and he has his own seat in the captain's chair right behind my driver seat. he has his own car seat cover (DOG HAIR!!) and he marks his seat by snotting all over the window of our new minivan. however, he does not and cannot really, get in the front. i always heard at a young age that you don't let pets in the car up front with you b/c they can get under your pet and prevent you from braking! my mom used to take our cat to the vet in a pillow case! what i riot that was! the funniest i think is my husband went to McDonald's with our big boy in the passenger seat of his jeep wrangler one day. sawyer stayed on his side until hubby was at the pickup window and then he decided to try and go INTO the mcdonald's via the car window! hubby said that the poor gal taking his money and giving him his food wasn't sure what to think of this big ol slobbery puppy! i can just imagine his big ol head poking out the window like "hey! gimme those fries!" had to share.... take care and have a happy day!

I don't generally have a problem with people carrying their pets around, but I do think that it's safer for the animal to be in a carrier in the back seat. The animal will fly through the windshield just as easily as a person will if not buckled in. People really need to use common sense here. What I do have a problem with, however, is people who let their dogs run around in the backs of pickup trucks while driving. All it takes is a quick emergency stop to send that dog flying out the back. And people who have thought they're being clever by putting dogs on leashes in the backs of trucks have accidentally hung their dogs because the dog jumps/falls out and is being dragged along by the neck.

Not had any close calls myself but then I dont use my mobile whilst driving, except occasionally on hands free if am expecting a call. I dont have a dog but if I was taking my parent's dog anywhere I would put them in the passenger seat well, it is supposed to be the safest place for the dog. On the back seat unrestrained they could fly forward in a crash, possibly killing you or your passenger, if not then they would fly through the windscreen. No pet lover wants their pet doing that.

People who drives with their dogs on their lap are just can't seperate them. They love the feeling of the fury in their hands, and it makes them feel good. I love to be around my dog, but I won't take him on my laps, because he can move and take me out of concentration in driving. A dog can be in the back sit, and he will do just fine there. Who knows what the dog can do when he is on someone lap. He may by accidently get up, and block your eye sight, and that is very dangerous.

dogs are men's best friends, so it's no wonder why people drive with their dogs on their lap. the need for warmth and affection is communicated to the pet dog. It's very relaxing and comfortable having someone close to you while driving and that's when your dogs comes into the picture.

Yes I have many close calls when it comes to this. It is not safe to let a dog roam about in the car much less let them sit in your seat. I see them mooching on eachother and get distracted and almost cause accidents as a result. I mean do they not think what could happen to them or the dog if the DID get into a accident? Also, the dog and fall out the window and I have seen this happen before. Not a pretty site. I wish that people would use some common sense when it comes to their animals. They have seat belt for dogs and cats these days, and car seat and there is a animal carrier they can use. My 3 cents. HEE HEE

It makes me so glad i don't drive. I think this is appalling. If they have no regard for the safety of themselves or others you would at least think they would think of their pets safety. A dog sitting on your lap is no different to a small child. In fact a dog is less predictable. I think it should carry a very high penalty. Why are people so stupid?

This is one of my peeves too. People don't seem to realize that there are ways to secure your dog in your car without resorting to having them on your lap, which is not only incredibly dangerous, it's also incredibly stupid. There are pet seat belts that you can buy specially designed for dogs that attach to the seat belt already in the back of the car. This is a good way of ensuring that you're driving won't be impaired in any way. People, if you love your pets, do whats best for the safety of them as well as you. Make sure you transport them in a safe manner. DON'T let them sit in your lap when you're driving!

I was in a car accident a year ago. We had my friend's kitten with us, surprisingly the kitten was the only one to survive the crash with no injuries. The car was totaled, that is one tough kitty!