Buckle Up Buttercup!

I constantly see people driving around with dogs loose on their lap or in their car. I am assuming that they love their pets dearly, so dearly in fact, that they'd risk the animal's life and possibly the life of others in order to enjoy their pet, even while driving. Now, correct me if I'm wrong but there are laws requiring adults to secure not only their children, but themselves as well. Why would this not apply to people's pets? Thirty years ago an elderly neighbor was driving down the road when his little dog got down on the floor and got entwined in his feet. This caused him to slam his foot into the gas peddle and, then in turn, slam into our mailbox. Living in a rural part of town, we had cemented our mailbox deep into the ground so as a result, he really messed up his car. Now, if we or someone else had been walking alongside the road or checking our mail, it would have been a little bit more involved than replacing a mailbox and making a claim on his car insurance. People, it is not cute, it's not even a good idea...secure you're pet. So, even if your dog's name is not Buttercup...buckle up!