Less than 2% of American pet parents use restraint systems and the risks are growing.

In a 35 MPH accident, a 60-pound dog can turn into some 2700 lbs of deadly force, injuring or killing the vehicle’s occupants, the dog, or both. And that’s not the only reason to invest in and use a pet restraint system while driving around with your dog. When first responders try to access a vehicle that’s been in an accident, a frightened dog can make entry difficult; often, the dog jumps out of the car, endangering himself and quite possibly causing another accident. Christina Selter is the founder of BarkBuckleUp, an organization that aims to educate pet owners about the dangers & consequences of letting your dog hang loose while driving. Her website offers reviews of various products and her group is teaming up with Volvo, the automaker currently leading the way in insuring pet safety in their vehicles.