Question:
Good Day, Is there any law or regulation prohibiting a driver of a vehicle from having a pet, child or a large parcel on their lap?
I frequently see people driving with pets on their laps. I find it quite frightening having read/heard of two incidents recently where dogs may have been incidental in causing road accidents which resulted in the death of the driver.
Answer:
It is indeed a risk to safety on the road and we would like to refer you to “Road Safety and Traveling with Pets”
Note Reg 308. General duties of driver or passenger of vehicle on public road:
Reg 308. (1) No person driving or having a vehicle on a public road shall—
(a) cause such vehicle to travel backwards unless it can be done in safety, or cause it to run backwards for a distance or time longer than may be necessary for the safety or reasonable convenience of any occupant of that vehicle or of other traffic on such road; or
(b) follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent having regard to the speed of such other vehicle and the traffic on and the condition of the roadway, or more closely than is prescribed in these regulations;
(c) permit any person, animal or object to occupy any position in or on such vehicle which may prevent the driver thereof from exercising complete control over the movements of the vehicle or signalling his or her intention of stopping, slowing down or changing direction;
Also view:
Packing the Vehicle Safely for the Road Trip