Auto Club Reminds Drivers About Pet Safety During End of Summer Road Trips, Launches Pet Supply Donation Drive With Los Angeles Dog Rescue Group

When: Media availability from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 6

(Live shot availability in Spanish and English starting at 4 a.m.)

Where: Auto Club's Burbank Branch, 1111 West Alameda, Burbank, CA 91506

Who: Auto Club Senior Public Affairs Specialists Gianella Ghiglino and Anlleyn Venegas

Auto Club Corporate Communications Manager Doug Shupe

Blue Man Dog Head Trainer/Founder Mia Gyzander

Visuals:

• Pet restraint demonstrations with dogs
• Hot car demonstrations

Display of donations accepted for pet supply drive

As Southern Californians plan their final road trips for the summer and over Labor Day weekend, the Auto Club of Southern California reminds them to ensure their pet's safety and well-being during a road trip.

The Auto Club recommends drivers restrain pets in the back seat of the vehicle to avoid distractions and protect the animals and vehicle occupants in the event of a crash. An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly five hundred pounds of force, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately 2,400 pounds of force. Like a young child, the front airbag system in a vehicle can be deadly to a dog during a crash if sitting in the front seat, even if restrained. Restraint options include pet harnesses/safety belts, soft and hard-sided pet travel crates, pet vehicle seats and vehicle pet barriers.

According to a previous AAA/Kurgo Pet Passenger Safety Survey, more than 80% of respondents who bring their dogs on car trips do not use a pet restraint. The reasons for not using one include:

• My dog is calm and I do not think he/she needs a restraint

• Never considered it

• Just take dog on short trips

• Want dog to be able to put head out window

• Too complicated/too much trouble

• Want dog to have fun in the car

• Want to be able to hold dog

Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles drivers' risk of being in a crash. The AAA/Kurgo Pet Passenger Safety Survey also revealed dangerous and distracting activities that drivers admit to doing with dogs in the vehicle which include:

• Petting their dog

• Using hands or arms to restrict dog's movement or hold dog in place when putting on brakes

• Using hands/arms to keep dog from climbing from the backseat to the front seat

• Reaching into backseat to interact with dog

• Allowing dog to sit in lap or holding dog while driving

• Giving food or treats to dog

• Playing with dog

• Taking a photo of dog

Just like children, animals are also at risk during extreme heat. Leaving them in a vehicle while taking a break at a rest stop during a road trip or for any other reason, can have deadly consequences. Animals left in hot cars can face irreversible organ damage, heatstroke, brain damage and, in extreme cases, death.

In addition to these pet travel safety reminders, the Auto Club is partnering with Los Angeles-based nonprofit rescue group, Blue Man Dog, to collect pet supply donations. Auto Club members and the public can drop off towels and blankets, gently used bedding, crates, puppy pads, supplements, sturdy chew toys, and cleaning supplies to one of the following Auto Club branches from Aug. 6 to Aug. 24:

• Burbank Branch: 1111 W Alameda Ave Burbank, CA 91506
• Long Beach Branch: 4800 Airport Plaza Long Beach, CA 90815
• Inglewood Ladera Branch: 1234 Centinela Ave Inglewood, CA 90302
• Torrance Branch: 23001 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505
• Manhattan Beach Branch: 700 South Aviation Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
• Downey Branch: 8223 Firestone Blvd Downey, CA 90241

Auto Club members are eligible for the following AAA Discount & Rewards that can save them money on memorable travel experiences with their pets:

Spot Pet Insurance

Give your pets the care they deserve and help save yourself from expensive vet bills with Spot Pet Insurance. AAA members can get up to 20% off Spot plans-a special 10% group discount on every policy, plus a 10% multi-pet discount on all additional pets.

The Parking Spot

Get two free days of airport parking by signing up for the Spot Club. Plus, AAA members receive additional Spot Club benefits, including up to 20% off airport parking and exclusive AAA promotional offers throughout the year.

Shutterfly

Free Photo Book

*Customize it yourself or let a Shutterfly designer create it for you. Promo code can be obtained by Sept. 30, 2024, and used through Oct. 31, 2024. Offer is good for one free 20-standard page 8 x 11 hardcover photo book through shutterfly.com or the Shutterfly app.

About AAA

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America's largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of over 64 million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member visit AAA.com. 

About Blue Man Dog

For over a decade, we've worked tirelessly in dog rescue, including temperament evaluations and fostering, which has led to helping hundreds of dogs and adopters. As well as rescuing dogs, we pride ourselves on our willingness to support all dog owners with any issue, from basic set-up questions to all types of training and behavioral needs.

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