Driving with dogs: Alarming statistics, safety tips

If you're among the people who love to travel with their dogs, American Humane and AAA have tips for keeping them safe on the road.

The first tip is to restrain your pet. Having an animal run loose inside the car means you might keep one eye on them and only one eye on the road. They are also more likely to be injured or can even run away if you're in a crash. Using a pet seat belt, car seat or crate will keep your four-legged friend secure.

Also, your dog may love to stick its head out the window, but wind can actually irritate mucus membranes and blow pieces of debris into their eyes. Just like children, they shouldn't stick any part of their body out the window.

Never let your dog in the front seat because that adds to potential distraction, and if your airbags go off, your furry family member will very likely get hurt. Air bags were not made for animals.

If you drive a pickup truck, your dog will not be safe riding in the bed. Not only could they harm themselves, but they can cause someone else to have an accident. Here's a sobering statistic: At least 100,000 dogs have been killed while riding in truck beds.

Finally, keep a printed record of your pet's name and even a photo in the car whenever you travel. That can help first-responders render aid or conduct a search in the event you're unable to after a crash.