Understanding Animal Neglect Laws in Michigan
For a company that specializes in helping prevent distracted driving, SaverOne is familiar with most of the reasons that drivers are less than attentive. But as recent studies show that there’s a growing prevalence of pet-related distracted driving, animal activists might be surprised to learn that understanding and abiding by animal neglect laws can help improve road safety on the whole.
Understanding Animal Neglect Laws in Michigan
Animal neglect, as referenced in the state of Michigan, occurs when someone harms an animal by leaving it without necessary food, water, shelter, sanitary surroundings, or proper veterinary care. In Michigan, animal neglect is a misdemeanor, but if there are multiple counts or an animal has been seriously injured, animal neglect can carry a felony charge. Like other forms of animal-related criminal activity, animal neglect is taken very seriously by law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney, and the court system.
The Link Between Distracted Driving And Animal Neglect
When drivers are distracted, anything from texting to the need to retrieve a dropped phone or drink can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Since abuse or neglect of pets also causes drivers to take their eyes off the road, a link between the two activities is not surprising. With the majority of American households having pets, the temptation for what some may view as multitasking and convenience could prove fatal for innocent pets, if not humans as well.
The Benefits of Promoting Knowledge of Animal Neglect Laws
As a means of preventing distracted driving, putting neglected animals before all other distractions can be helpful. Many people are confused knowing when to report suspected cases of neglect because of the varying and often conflicting law regarding what constitutes neglect. Other than injury caused by malicious intent, most pet owners that have neglected their animals did so because they were struggling with basic everyday life. But what animal rights advocates and pet owners know is that if people knew the law and how it pertains to animals in need, many of the unnecessary accidents caused by distracted driving could be prevented. Creating an environment where knowledge is promulgated on the law, responsible pet ownership, and the benefits of caring for animals is as helpful for drivers as it is for animals that suffer.
Using Technology To Promote Legal Awareness
In promoting legal awareness, technology plays an important role. Smartphones are always within easy reach, making them an important tool for helping drivers to be more responsible. For Michigan, state-specific statutes, such as animal neglect laws can help by allowing motorists to review the law, report violations, and help abused or neglected animals while never leaving the comfort and security of their vehicles. By knowing that a human is looking out for them, pets will be less likely to act unpredictably and cause accidents.
Michigan Road Safety Considerations
Looking at state road safety statistics, Michigan has a high incidence of nearly 28,000 motor vehicle crashes in one year. Among the common factors contributing to these collisions is distracted driving, such as texting and other behaviors that push drivers to take their eyes off the road. Reviewing the statistics for crashes involving animals, several dozen drivers and passengers are killed, and thousands more are injured by striking a deer on Michigan roads. Penalties for animal-related crashes could be a help to keeping the overall roadway safer.
Tech Company Strategies
Many tech companies have strategically combined the educational aspects of law in general with safe driving technology. Things such as prohibiting apps or texting while the car is in operation help to limit opportunities for distractions. The issue lies in the fact that while these tools effectively limit the options that drivers have to text and drive, they do not limit the impact of other distractions which could result in more accidents. For most people, the amount of time that it takes to pull over a car is minimal compared to the risk that an animal will dart into the roadway and cause injury. Putting the needs of others before taking a selfie or scrolling through social media is a proactive solution that also results in people looking out for animals.
The Need for Better Solutions
To date, apps for preventing texting and driving are among some of the most popular choices among consumers. Fewer people have embraced multi-tasking routes like squeeze tubes and wristbands that are meant to help reduce distractions. What most people want is a program that works well with other tools and helps to minimize negative impact. For today’s businesses, anything that can help align all safety behaviors is a huge asset.
Benefits to Drivers
Drivers who already follow the law regarding animal ownership and care are able to use tools like this to stay safe while connecting the law to their driving behavior. This is especially true for people who own horses, dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals that can serve as companions while also becoming family members. When the laws regarding animals in Michigan become common knowledge throughout the state, it has a positive bridging effect that ties back to road safety. People want to do what is right. When there is a personal benefit to this, it helps to create more responsible communities.
Impactful Trial Testimonies
For animal shelters, veterinarians, foster organizations, and other people who help to care for animals, trial testimony regarding someone’s treatment of animals can be very impactful. Imagine being able to augment these well-thought-out stories with animal neglect laws to help the judge and jury better understand the law. This has a ripple effect for both the driver and the pet’s owner by creating more awareness about the law and its reach into animal neglect and abuse. For predator pets like snakes and lizards, it’s also important to take into account the dangers and other circumstances that put animals and people at risk.
SaverOne Improving Reception
For SaverOne, the goal is to make the world a better and safer place, and we’re achieving this goal by promoting legal awareness to help improve road safety. We’re not only helping to keep people safe from needless texting along the roadway, but we have the potential to save countless lives in the process.
