State Duma deputy Sultan Khamzaev has introduced a proposal to make the use of transport containers and car boxes mandatory for transporting animals in vehicles. RT reports that this is based on a letter he sent to Mikhail Chernikov, the head of the traffic police at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
The deputy highlights a growing reality on the roads: pets are often kept in the cabin, sometimes large dogs, freely positioned beside the driver. This situation persists because current placement requirements and the technical specifications of animal transport devices have not been clearly defined or standardized.
Presently, the market offers a wide range of animal transport solutions, frequently in the form of seat covers. While these products may safeguard interior surfaces from wear and tear, they do not reliably prevent the animal from moving around inside the cabin. As a result, there are occasions when an animal can reach the pedals or the windshield area, creating a potential risk of an accident.
In response, the deputy urges clarification of traffic rules to mandate the use of specialized insulated devices for pet transport, such as carrying containers and car boxes, among others. The aim is to ensure the driver remains focused on the road, with a clear line of sight to the animal at all times, and to boost the safety of the animal itself in the event of a collision or sudden stop. This proposal emphasizes reducing distraction for drivers and enhancing overall road safety by establishing specific standards for how animals should be secured during travel. (Source: RT)