CRASH TEST 101: THE ESSENTIAL CANINE CRASH TEST GUIDE
As devoted dog parents, we often search for products that ensure the safety of our beloved pets, particularly when it comes to traveling in vehicles. The term "crash tested" is frequently used to market dog safety products, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, is it genuinely indicative of safety? Let’s dive into the details and discover the truth behind canine crash testing and the Bark Belt standard.
The Misconception of Crash-Tested Products
The common question many dog owners ask is: "Is this product crash tested?" Unfortunately, this question alone doesn't provide the answers we need. The key lies in understanding how the product has been tested and against what standards. Simply stating a product is crash tested does not guarantee it measures up to the specific safety needs of your pet.
The Excursion Test: Is it Enough?
The primary test utilized by most companies to claim their product is "crash tested" is known as an "excursion test." This test measures whether, during a 30MPH accident, a dog's body will become a harmful projectile to human occupants. While this sounds important, it overlooks several critical factors, including:
- Canine well-being or survivability
- Systems to absorb or redistribute the force of the accident
- Reduction of forces exerted on a canine body
- Prevention of the dog from colliding with surfaces in the vehicle
A standalone excursion test does not account for these elements, meaning it is not designed to test the overall safety and well-being of the dog during a crash.
What Should Dog Safety Measures Include?
Inspired by the child car seat standard, FMVSS 213, dog safety should encompass similar rigorous criteria. FMVSS 213 focuses on features crucial for child safety, such as maintaining structural integrity and preventing contact with harmful surfaces during a crash. These principles can be adapted to dog safety products to provide comprehensive protection.
Moving Beyond the Excursion Test: Bark Belt's C.A.S.E. Safety Features
Bark Belt, a leader in canine car safety, goes beyond the basic excursion test. We test for four dog-centric safety features, which we have coined as C.A.S.E.:
Injuries in car accidents typically occur in three ways:
Contactable Surfaces: They ensure that in the event of an accident, the dog will not make harmful contact with any rigid surfaces during an accident
Active Restraint: The system is designed to actively restrain the dog before they reach peak acceleration in an accident, which reduces injury potential
Structural Integrity: It tests for the maintenance of structural integrity throughout the accident
Energy Distribution: The harnesses have systems in place to absorb and redistribute the forces of an accident as it occurs, protecting the canine's body
Each element of the C.A.S.E. safety features is designed to protect the canine car occupants specifically.
What's Next? The Call for Updated Testing Standards
Despite the existence of such rigorous tests by brands like Bark Belt, there is a pressing need for updated testing standards industry-wide. Currently, no governing body oversees dog crash testing, so standards and claims can vary widely between products.
Bark Belt is advocating for the adoption and adherence to the "C.A.S.E. Canine Vehicle Safety Standards" across the industry, ensuring that a standardized, reliable set of criteria is used to evaluate the safety of canine car harnesses and carriers.
The Takeaway for Dog Owners
When it comes to your dog's safety in your vehicle, it's crucial to look beyond the label of "crash tested." Investigate what the test entails, what safety features are examined, and how the harness will protect your dog in the event of an accident. Demand that brands and organizations update their testing standards to reflect thorough protection measures for our canine companions.
Choose a "crash tested harness" that meets the comprehensive C.A.S.E. safety features, and drive with peace of mind knowing you've made a well-informed decision for your pet's well-being. Safe travels, and give your pup an extra treat for us – they deserve it.
I just bought four of the bark belt 2.0 systems for my dogs – but now I need harnesses to go with them. Do you have any recommendations? The crash tested harnesses that I have found connect to the existing seatbelts – but I don’t plan on using those – I plan on connecting these bark belt units to the ample child car seat tie down points in my suv (because I can still access those when the seats are folded down). Recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Does active restraint mean that when we hit the brakes, it locks like a normal seatbelt and keeps her from being dumped on the floor?
This information is so important for dog parents to know, thanks for sharing and making so easy to understand.