Dog News

Bill Would Ban Dogs On Drivers’ Laps

by ADMIN

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A bill making its way through the Rhode Island state legislature would make it illegal to drive with a dog in your lap.

Introduced by Cranston state Rep. Peter Palumbo, the proposed legislation would call for fines of $85 for a first offense, $100 for the second, and $125 for subsequent offenses. Palumbo said he was moved to act after hearing from a constituent who witnessed a driver veering in traffic while trying to see around a dog seated in their lap.

Considering recent surveys from AAA in which 39 % of dog owners admitted to being distracted by their dogs while driving, proponents of the bill say it will encourage safer driving practices and reduce annual traffic fatalities.