Researchers Examined Dog Safety in Vehicle Accidents

A study found nearly 10 percent of dogs involved in examined vehicle crashes suffered fatal injuries.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Dogs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a heavy-duty canine safety harness laid on an empty vehicle seat, representing pet travel safety. — A Colorado State University study indicates that nearly 10 percent of dogs in vehicle accidents suffer fatal injuries, prompting calls for regulated safety restraints. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you plan to use a safety harness for your dog when traveling by car?

Colorado State University researchers discovered that 10 percent of dogs involved in 268 studied vehicle incidents died. Additionally, 28 percent of the dogs required emergency veterinary care due to their injuries.

Why it matters

As pets increasingly travel as vehicle occupants, this study highlights that current animal restraints rely on unregulated products. Researchers are calling for the development of evidence-based safety harnesses to improve protection.

A study of 268 vehicle incidents revealed a 10 percent dog fatality rate and a 28 percent rate for emergency veterinary care. Smallest dog breeds face the highest risk of death in these collisions.

The players

Colorado State University

This is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado, that conducts studies on a wide range of academic and scientific topics.

The details

Researchers analyzed injury outcomes based on breed size and the use of restraints during incidents. The study noted that while the Highway Code recommends that animals be suitably restrained, current market offerings remain unregulated.

The research findings were published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This study challenges the current reliance on unregulated pet products in the context of the Highway Code. It signals a move toward demanding standardized safety metrics for pet travel accessories similar to those for human passengers.

Drivers should be aware that currently available pet seatbelts and restraints are not regulated or tested for crash safety. Owners may want to research crash-tested options while waiting for the development of new, evidence-based safety standards.

The takeaway

Pet owners should prioritize finding restraints that have undergone independent safety testing until industry regulations are established. Ensuring small dogs are properly secured is particularly critical given their higher risk of fatality in accidents.