Dogs Can Make Great Driving Companions, But They Can Also Cause Crashes

By Headlines Team

Americans adore their dogs, and with 68 million households welcoming at least one canine companion, it’s clear they’re family members as much as pets. But while dogs bring comfort and joy, they can also bring danger, especially when they ride along in the car.

In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities. The majority were linked to speeding, drunk driving, or failure to wear seatbelts. But an alarming 3,275 deaths were attributed to distracted driving. While mobile phones dominate the distracted driving conversation, dogs are a growing and under-recognized part of the problem.

This new study by DeMayo Law Offices explores which dog breeds are most likely to cause accidents, why it happens, and what drivers can do to keep their pets and themselves safe.

America’s Dog Obsession Meets the Open Road

Pet ownership is booming. Roughly 94 million U.S. households own a pet, with Millennials (30%) leading the way, followed closely by Baby Boomers and Gen X. Dogs remain America’s favorite pet, with nearly 90 million nationwide—that’s one dog for every four people.

Spending reflects this devotion. In 2024, Americans spent $151.9 billion on their pets, with 2025 projections nearing $157 billion. On average, households spend about $1,733 annually on pets, and dogs account for the largest share—about $1,533 per year for food, vet care, grooming, toys, and more.

Beyond the financial investment, dogs offer countless benefits: 80% of owners say their dog reduces loneliness, and over half report hitting recommended weekly exercise goals thanks to regular walks. Yet, despite the joy they bring, dogs in cars pose a hidden risk.

Dogs in Cars: A Serious Driving Hazard

The NHTSA’s distracted driving fatality data highlights a worrying trend: 1 in 4 pet owners admit to holding their dog while braking, and nearly 20% admit to blocking their dog from climbing into the front seat mid-drive.

Studies show that older drivers who always travel with pets experience nearly double the crash rate of those who do not. Alarmingly, 84% of dog owners transport their pets without a restraint, while 52% pet their dogs while driving, and 17% let their dogs sit on their lap.

These behaviors are not just distracting—they’re dangerous. Dogs riding in the front seat create added risks, from drivers engaging with them more frequently to the lethal threat of airbags deploying during crashes.

Which Breeds Are the Best—and Worst—Driving Companions?

The study ranked popular breeds by temperament, size, and trainability to measure “car readiness.”

Best companions: Large, trainable breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Poodle ranked high. Their calm temperament and responsiveness make them safer travel companions.
Challenging companions: Smaller, independent breeds like Dachshunds and Beagles were identified as more difficult, as their stubbornness and excitable energy can make them unpredictable in the car.
Special considerations: Flat-faced breeds like the Bulldog and French Bulldog face additional breathing risks during car rides, especially in warmer weather.