California assembly approves bill banning pets from drivers’ laps

The Assembly on Monday approved a bill that would ticket motorists $35 for the common practice of allowing dogs and cats on their laps while driving, though some pet owners oppose the bill.

State government statistics indicate 4,300 accidents daily are linked to driver distraction. A national study ranked pets among the top distractions. Experts say insurers are concerned.

Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia, whose Assembly Bill 2233 moved to the Senate on a 44-11 vote, said, “You have a potential major risk of an auto accident when you have a live pet that can be around in your face, in the steering wheel, down on the floor under your feet.”

Click here for the full article.