Dog Day Afternoon of Driving

WAYNE, N.J., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Passenger safety is always important when it comes to driving, and the same goes for all species. With "Love Your Pet Day" on February 20^th, Hankook Tire was curious to learn about how drivers keep their dogs safe on the road in their latest Quarterly Gauge Index.

According to Hankook Tire, Americans' habit of having their dogs along for the ride is somewhat 'pup'ular as The Gauge revealed that fifty-six percent (56%) of drivers say they regularly take their dogs out for a spin. Northeast owners seem to be more apt take their dogs for a drive as seventy-four (74%) of them say they regularly bring them along.

In terms of safety, where a dog sits is always a cause. Fortunately, most Americans follow the correct protocol as sixty-six percent (66%) of owners keep their dogs in the back seat or in a crate in the way back. However, that still means one third (34%) ignore DMV pet travel recommendations suggesting drivers keep their pets in the back seat or crate due to air bag concerns in the front seat. Since more than half of drivers are taking their dogs along for the ride, safety should obviously be a top concern. However, only twenty-four percent (24%) of owners say they strap their dog in with a seatbelt.

Loving your dog on "Love Your Pet Day" doesn't just involve keeping them safe in the car. The need to provide them with some emotional safety and comfort is just as important. Americans seem to have that under control as The Gauge found that eighty-nine (89%) of owners provide their furry loved ones with plenty of attention and talk to their dogs regularly while driving together. 

"Driver and passenger safety is always the primary concern for Hankook, and that includes their pets," said Henry Kopacz, Public Relations and Social Media Manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. "Our latest Gauge Index was able to find out more about the driver and dog dynamic, and if Americans are ensuring their safety, and that of their beloved dogs, while out on the road." 

Driver and passenger safety is a top concern for Hankook especially during the wetter and slicker winter and even early spring months. Here are some tips from Hankook Tire to keep you and your dog safe on the road:

• Check your tread – You and your dog are precious cargo, so make sure your tire tread is in prime form on the slick roads. Insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch, and it's time to replace your tires.
• Buckle up - This goes for both of you. When the 'fasten your seatbelt' sign lights up, take this as a reminder to make sure your dog is safe and secure in his crate or pet-designed seatbelt to maximize travel safety.
• Be prepared – In addition to your spare tire and jack, keep a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity, as well as plenty of water.

About Hankook Tire America Corp.

Hankook Tire America Corp. is a growing leader in the U.S. tire market, leveraging investments in technology, manufacturing and marketing to deliver high quality, reliable products that are safer for consumers and the environment.  Headquartered in Wayne, N.J., Hankook Tire markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high performance passenger tires, light truck, SUV tires, as well as medium truck and bus tires in the United States.

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SOURCE Hankook Tire America Corp.