What’s the best way to minimize distractions and help maintain focus while sharing a car’s cabin with a dog?

Just like the rest of us, they should buckle up, so to speak. Drivers should use a pet restraint system for their dogs every time they ride in the vehicle. Doing so not only limits distractions but also protects everyone in the car in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

This infographic explains some important steps you should take to help you and your pup make it safely from point A to point B and what to do in the event of a crash.

Hit the Road in Style and Safety

Moral of the story: no matter how funny it is to pass a car and see a dog’s nose pressed up against the passenger window or its cheeks catching wind from the sunroof, it’s dangerous. Using a pet restraint for your pup is a key element to road safety. For those of us who’ve spent years letting our dogs roam the car during road trips, it can take some adjustment to get your dog used to a restraint system.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options out there. From metal barriers that attach to the frame of your car to crash-tested safety harnesses, there’s something out there for every dog and owner’s travel style. Before you commit to a long road trip with your dog’s new safety restraint, take a couple of test drives around your neighborhood to help build up to a long drive.

So, next time you plan to hit the road, don’t forget to pack your pup’s safety restraint along with the rest of your road trip essentials.