1,000,000+ Annual Accidents: How to Prevent Your Dog from Becoming a Statistic
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 1.2 million dogs are hit by cars each year in the United States. Of these, an estimated 170,000 are killed and 230,000 are injured. The highest rates of dog-vehicle collisions occur in urban areas, and the most common time of day for these collisions is between 6 pm and 9 pm.
There are a number of things that dog owners can do to help prevent their dogs from being hit by cars, including:
- Always walk your dog on a leash and keep them on a short leash when crossing streets.
- Teach your dog to look both ways before crossing the street.
- Do not let your dog off-leash in areas where there is a lot of traffic.
- Make sure your dog has a reflective collar or harness so that they are easy to see at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for cars when walking your dog.
If your dog is hit by a car, it is important to take them to the veterinarian immediately. Even if your dog does not appear to be injured, they may have internal injuries that are not visible.
