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IT'S THE LAW! DRIVERS, KEEP ‘FIDO' OFF YOUR LAP
We've all seen them, the man or woman driving down the street with the German Shepherd on their lap with its head hanging out the driver's window. The driver is reaching over the dog, grasping the steering wheel with one hand while the other hand holds the dog's collar. Seriously folks, we are still dealing with driving while on the cell-phone. This is as serious - or more serious - a safety issue. Recently our legislators, in their infinite wisdom, voted down a law specifically prohibiting this kind of driving. And, at the same time they enacted the cell phone laws. Go figure . . . However, there are other statues that cover this type of irresponsible driving. We stop folks and, so far, usually just issue ‘doggie on the lap' warnings. Somehow the drivers justify their actions by saying, "I'm just driving around town; I'm not on the freeway." We control ourselves, smile, and tell them they were speeding. "What! I was only going 25 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone." We keep our composure, because dog lovers are special to us. We persist and tell them they were breaking the law and creating a severe traffic hazard. Some listen, some don't. California Vehicle Code section 22350 says no person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent . . . and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. The safe speed for driving with a 150 pound Rottweiler or a 20 pound Poodle on your lap is zero! (Unsafe at any speed) You can be cited for speeding! California Vehicle Code section 24002 says it is unlawful to operate any vehicle which is not safely loaded and which presents an immediate hazard. ‘Fido' is the load and on your lap, the load is unsafe. I love my dog just as much as the next person and I don't advocate the extreme this photo depicts. But, I love my dog enough not to subject this innocent, loving creature to a traffic collision and possible injury or death. This could happen by your dog interfering with your ability to take evasive action in an emergency. These creatures are angels and teach us so much. Let's reciprocate by being responsible humans and protect them and us. |
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