'We could have lost Trevor' – Dog survives car crash of an impact speed of 130mph thanks to harness
Kidderminster couple Leigh and Callum, along with their eight-month-old ‘sprockerdor’ puppy, Trevor, were involved in a terrifying car crash after they set-off on a road-trip.
It should have been an exciting day for all involved when Leigh, Callum and Trevor set off from their home in Kidderminster hoping to spend a day soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea on what would have been Trevor's first day at the beach.
But just minutes after setting off, tragedy struck when an oncoming car sped around a blind corner on the wrong side of the road, causing a crash with an impact speed of 130mph – writing off all cars involved.
Luckily, both of them only suffered minor injuries and quick-thinking Callum called the emergency services, but when Leigh smelled burning her 'first thought' was of their new member of the family, Trevor.
She said: "While Callum called the emergency services, I rushed to get Trevor. I unclipped his seatbelt and got him out of the car. I couldn’t believe he was all okay; just understandably shaking and scared.”
Leigh credits Trevor's safety to a nifty harness she had copped three days before the trip. The harness she bought - a 3 Peaks Crash Impact Tested Dog Harness - was from her local Kidderminster Pets at Home Pet Care Centre.
She said: “If we hadn’t bought that harness, on top of all the trauma of the whole situation, we could have lost Trevor. The 3 Peaks harness undoubtedly saved his life.
"I wrote the post on Instagram to help spread awareness about keeping your dog safe and secure when travelling in a car, because I know people who don’t restrain their dogs at all.
"And unfortunately, I’ve now been in a crash myself where the harness has been put to the test. Buying it was one of the best things that we did.”
Thankfully, Leigh, Callum and Trevor all escaped with minor injuries and are now recovering at home.
Leigh and Callum are looking to spread awareness for pet safety while travelling as new research from Pets at Home shows 2.6 million dogs are expected to be joining their owners on holiday this summer.
Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, veterinary services director at Pets at Home, shared her advice on travelling with pets.
She said: "Resist the temptation to let your dog move around the car. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that when travelling in the car, dogs must be suitably restrained at all times. Breaking this rule not only puts yourself and your dog in danger but can result in a fine of up to £5,000 – something two in five dog owners are not aware of.
"Should you be involved in an accident and there is no evidence you restrained your pet, your insurance may also be void.
"Always use the right harness for the size of your dog and purchase from a reputable supplier. Pets at Home’s 3 Peaks harness has been crash tested to FMVSS 213 child restraint systems standards, using seatbelt strength webbing with direct seatbelt connection as well as a reflective trimming. It not only keeps your dog safe, but ensures the driver isn’t distracted by a dog that’s on the move.
"You may find that your pet prefers to travel in a crate and Pets at Home offers a variety of suitable solutions.
"Having your dog in the front with you can be very distracting. If you can, it’s advised to safely secure pets on the backseat or in the boot.
"Unlike dogs who are accustomed to outings, cats thrive on the security of their own homes and may find travelling stressful. Many cats would be happier staying at home with a trusted house sitter, or in a licensed cattery whilst your away. If you do decide to have them travel with you and they are comfortable to do so, ensure they are safely confined in a secure carrier within the car."
The Kidderminster couple have taken to social media to share their experience and remind pet owners to keep their fluffy family members safe when travelling.
You can keep up with how Trevor’s doing on Instagram at @trevor_thesprockerdor