Driving Doggy-Style Gets a Reprieve

Photo by corndog_au via Flickr

Although Republican Assemblyman Bill Maze of Visalia introduced a bill that would fine people driving with animals on their laps $35, the Governor is giving it the ol' veto.

Maze says it's "distracting" to operate a motor vehicle with a dog or another pet in your lap, and took his cue to put the bill in motion after "seeing a woman driving with three dogs on her lap," reports the Daily Breeze. It's not clear just how frequently pooches play a part in driving-related incidents. An article posted on DogChannel.com (the website for dog lovers, natch) explains that "Tom Marshall, CHP spokesman, said statistics are not available on drivers who sit their pets on their laps."

A favorite practice of Hollywood starlets and those who enjoy pampering their pooches, the perils of driving with your pet in your lap isn't a priority for Schwarzenegger, who is focusing on signing into law only bills that are of utmost importance to the state, in light of our recent and profound budget woes. Of course, DogChannel.com reminds us that "it is always best to keep dogs and other animals safely restrained while in a car to prevent injury." That's injury to your pet. It's also a good idea to, you know, watch the road and try not to injure yourself or others.