The fact that we have to tell people NOT to do this is ridiculous.

It is dangerous for the dog. If small children can not sit in the front, or on the driver's lap, neither should a dog. The air bag would kill the poor animal if there were an accident. Very irresponsible of the dog's owner.

Where is the evidence supporting this money grab? I can not recall ever reading an article about an accident that referenced a pet as the cause.

I agree totally! Dogs deserve their own spot in the passenger seat! :P I'm sorry but if these things start to pass, then the elderly should at least be required to pass vision tests on some sort of regular basis. Next we won't be able to drink coffee in the car! While 90 year olds that can't tell the difference between red and green are still good to go. And I respect my elders, trust me. I work at the mansions in Newport. But come on. They can't figure out how to press 900 on the audio player for the tours and then get in their cars to leave? Scary stuff.

But who will steer while texting?

I had a dog fall OUT of my truck once, while driving (slow). That scared the HECK out of me and ever since then, either the dog is strapped in with a harness, confined to the floor or to the back seat. I see these idiots with their dogs perched on the fully open window and wonder how long with they deal with a loss based on stupidity.

Not sure about a ban, but pets should be in the back seat for their own protection. I used to let my Basset Hound ride up front because he was needy and whined if he could not be near me. One day, he flew off the seat, whacked his head on the glove compartment and landed on his back when I slammed on the brakes to avoid an accident. He seemed to have a lot of mobility issues after that.

there already is a law, but why would the lawmakers know that?
TITLE 31
Motor and Other vehicles
CHAPTER 31-22
Miscellaneous Rules
SECTION 31-22-28

§ 31-22-28 Transporting animals. – (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any animal or animals either for business or pleasure on or in an open air motor vehicle unless the animal or animals being transported:

(1) Is kept in an enclosed area of the motor vehicle;

(2) The animal or animals are under the physical control of a person other than the operator of the motor vehicle; or

(3) The animal or animals are placed in the motor vehicle and safely restrained by a harness manufactured for the purpose of restraining animals by means other than neck restraints.

(b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for a first offense, nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) for each subsequent offense.

History of Section.
(P.L. 1992, ch. 194, § 1.)

Rhode Island, more specifically, East Providence is becoming a "Police State". I don't think the majority of the citizens really want this direction that we are heading.

I knew the PCC was behind this. I hear they were also behind the Lindberg kidnapping and that they play a prominent role on the Tri-Lateral Commision.

though, difficult to teach an old dog new tricks, especially my 85 year old father, I do beleive dogs are a distraction and should not be on a drivers lap... !

What would happen to Fido if you did get in a accident? Between your own body weight being propelled forward and the air bag activating the outcome would sure be fatal to your pet and possibly the driver. If you truly love your pet put them in a safe position like you would a child....

I saw a man eating a bowl of cereal on his way to work one day. Are you now going to pass a law against eating cereal while driving. This is a common sense thing. I think the legislature should concern itself with more serious matters.

dogs make good air bags. Legislators are always looking for ways to make more good old fashion habits illegal.

When you consider the number of other distractions,not to mention, how many accidents have we heard of caused by this, or too dogs from this in this state.

I say Seat Belt these morons in the State House and let them know that this is one of the least things on peoples minds, in this State. geeze will it never end, the idiocracy of the legislature.

When you consider the number of other distractions,not to mention, how many accidents have we heard of caused by this, or too dogs from this in this state.

I say Seat Belt these moroons in the State House and let them know that this is one of the least things on peoples minds, in this State. geeze will it never end, the idiocracy of the legislature.

pending approval? really? This will sure slow everything down as censurship allways does.

I don't think a pet should be on a persons lap while they are driving a potential weapon down our thoroughfares.
But is it going to be a violation if my dog rides shotgun in my pick-up.
Years ago my dogs would ride in the back of my trucks but politicians who had nothing better to worry about made that illegal.
I guess what I am trying to say is we have elected a bunch of morons in the state house and it is time to unelect them all this coming election.

Of course, safety. Distracting and Fido will be seared by your windshield in a serious accident. Common sense people.

I beieve that dogs should be covered by the child seat and helmet laws. Dogs should not be allowed to text, listen to an ipod or use the GPS while in a moving vehicle. Dog bowls must be lawfully banned to stop drinking and driving. This entire campaign seems to be driven by evil cats.

This is a no-brainer. And unfortunately, common sense died a long time ago. Just look at our State and Federal government. But you people keep re-electing these IDIOTS so who's really to blame?

Wow, another example of a total waste of time. Can our legislators honestly not find anything better to do?

Yes please, stop worrying about this kind of thing. Worry about cutting the fat all around the state...

I don't agree with a pet riding on your lap. But for god sakes, do we really need more legislation on the books?
§ 31-27-4 Reckless driving and other offenses against public safety. – Any person who operates a motor vehicle recklessly so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered, or operates a vehicle in an attempt to elude or flee from a traffic officer or police vehicle, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first conviction and a felony for the second and each subsequent conviction. Hellooo?

I dont think that animals should be on your lap while operating a motor vehicle, however, at one point do we draw the line when the government begins to legislate common sense? At what point do we expect, or not expect, the public to be responsible for their own actions instead of the law telling us what is right and wrong in terms of common sense?

Dogs do not belong in the laps of drivers. Come on people, common sense! Very dangerous to have your dog in your lap when you are driving...

A waste of time... speed limits, seat belt laws and the text ban are barely enforced as it is now anyway.

People that drive like that are simply supid! add that to driving dui, putting make up on, talking on the cellphone, nobody pays attention to driving anymore, Defensive driving needs to be taught, the rest is common sense.

YES! Of course, SMARTEN Up on this matter, it's called a Distraction! Would you drive and have your child on your lap? Try taking a corner with a poodle/dog on your lap, I've seen some do it.What a Joke! It's as bad as texting/Etc. and driving (A Distraction is just that)! NO Excuses! If it don't get banned or made a Law (as it is in other States, let them make the decision to get into Accidents and be stupid or kill someone than deal with the Consequences, the way a child does in a Family who cares to see them learn and grow) I saw a dog bite (take a nip because of a driver being nervous while driving and the dog was nervous too) It's COMMON SENSE! Blessings!!!

I wanted to add, I believe the person/persons who allow their PET (whom they truly say they love and will PROTECT at all cost) don't read these caring posts that are generated. They don't care so why listen, they want to do their own thing and not follow rules and find out the HARD WAY as selfish people do! They don't think of others and that's sad to say/think or feel. Blessings!

Twenty comments about dogs riding in the front seat.....and virtually no feedback about the travesty that was the school superintendent "search". Way to keep your priorities in order Barrington!

On FOX NEWS Proposed legislation in Rhode Island could make driving with a dog on your lap illegal. The bill was submitted Rep. Peter G. Palumbo, a Democrat from Cranston, after one of his constituents recounted the story of an accident that was almost caused when a driver was operating a vehicle with a dog sharing the driver’s seat.

So we now waste taxpayer’s money for something that might or almost happened. This is idiocy, what about self-responsibility? The Government is out of control, did a Google search for accidents caused by a dog in the lap. Have not found one yet. There are much more pressing problem, then wasting time on this crappola. You should be ashamed Palumbo, that’s right I did not say representative, because you do not deserve the title, unless you change your ways.

Nice to be a laughing stock yet again in the Country on National News, thank for that at least, Hopefully the Country will realize you are the laughing stock and not the rest of the State.

It is also not about the dogs, people; any intelligent person knows that can be dangerous, as all the things that distract. It is about your government wasting time on making laws that are common sense; idiots do not obey laws anymore than a criminal does. Reminds me of the warning, (do not look down Barrel of Loaded Gun) Yes it is in manuals.

"Marc Mathis
2:01 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012

I would like to shake the hand of the man who successfully ate a bowl of cereal while driving to work. Inherent risks aside, that takes ambition. It's a real testament to the cereal as well. There are very few breakfast cereals a man would risk his life for."

My thought would be (Captain Crunch at the least or Fruit Loops) lol.

Fruit Loops are issued only at the State House for consumption...you are what you eat.!

Yes, they are just as distracting as texting while driving.
200 (57%)
No, it's ridiculous this is even being considered.
68 (19%)
I think it's fair. Any distraction to driver's is a dangerous one.
71 (20%)
Other (see my comments below)
6 (1%)
The current poll reflects why Kennedy was reelected several times

The 19% want to be free .

Dear RI Government officials, Please allow me to make my own choices as an adult. This includes my dog in my car, whether I wear my seat belt or not-, which I always do- or any other ridiculous bill you, are trying to pass. I ask that you concentrate on jobs, schools, bringing business-any business here, stop illegal immigration -e-verify, jobs, pension reform, schools-again, roads and oh JOBS! We have the second highest unemployment rate in the country! Thanks, Ryan the girl for freedom.

Oh YES!!! EVERYTHING IS IMPORTANT IN GOVERNMENT!! but having a dog on our lap just doesn't take top thought, unless YOU CARE ABOUT OTHERS LIVES as you should!!! And many do! RULES ARE MADE for a reason! And Laws are too! WE want our kids to follow what's right, adults are role models.Blessings and PEACE! SpiritSHEE

@Shee G, You completely missed my point. I/We, as adults should already be responsible people who SHOULD be held accountable for irresponsible behavior. What I disagree with in this case or the seatbelt law, is laws like this, are taking away my CHOICE-aka-FREEDOM to make a responsible choice, which have known consequences already. Why do we need to waste time, money, resources, paper, ink or anything on something like this? If injury is caused because you were driving with a dog in your lap, I would assume any good state attorney could get distracted, impaired or maybe even reckless driving as a charge against the evil, lapdog loving assailant! So really what would a $100 ticket do? In closing, I agree with under 18 mandatory seatbelt laws and think driving with your dog in your lap is just stupid!

What a $100 ticket would do is make you think twice before you do it again. It is too late after you kill someone with your freedom of choice for the state attorney to get a distracted, impaired or maybe even reckless driving charge against you. Im sure you would feel so much better after your child gets killed to know that at least the driver kapt his freedoms. The reason we have to waste time on these stupid laws is because people are too stupid to use common sense and think about anyone but themselves.

I think it is very naive to think that people would think twice about a $100 ticket for driving with a dog on their lap. We have laws, with known consequences far heavier than a $100 ticket, that people break everyday. If anyone in my family were to get hurt in an accident due to a driver having a dog on their lap, my thought would not be “wow we should have a law against this!”. While driving to Narragansett, Charlestown, Coventry, Newport and Pawtucket this week I saw people shaving, putting makeup on, changing clothes, disciplining their children, playing the air guitar or drums or changing the radio, do we really need to waste resources for each of these distracted driving offenses? Never mind the amount of people I saw eating crap nasty fast food. Maybe we should fine the crappy food eater’s twice, one for being distracted while driving and then again for making another poor life decision and costing health care providers billions! - I'm kidding. Rep Palumbo has lost me on this one, he should be going back to e-verify. P.S. Is there any documented statistics on how many people have been involved in accidents due to a dog on the lap?

"Columbia County Coroner Vernon Collins says a dog likely caused a head-on collision that killed two women Saturday night.
Rebecca Doughty, 53, of Augusta, died at the scene at 7:08 p.m., Collins said. Antoinette Williams, 44, of Lincolnton, Ga., was airlifted to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Deputy Coroner Harriett Garrison said.
Collins said a witness saw Doughty driving erratically before her car crossed the center line on Washington Road near the Keg Creek bridge and collided with Williams' vehicle. He said that toxicology tests would be conducted but that he had no reason to believe alcohol was a factor.
"I feel like the contributing factor was the dog. It should have been in a carrier."
The dog also died in the accident"
The Augusta Chronicle Sunday, May 16, 2010

Being a School Bus Driver!! Over 12 YEARS (9 Routes A DAY) I SEE IT ALL!!! Wirth it for almist $18.00. an hour and The MANY Challenges! SO SAD some UNRESPONSIBLE UNCARING DRIVERS!!! Blessings!! Ty for sharing The Shill

According to the organization "Paws to Click," one accident occurs every 18 minutes in this country because there is a pet loose in the vehicle, distracting the driver. About 30 000 accidents in the US each year are caused by dogs alone. According to the same source, one in five drivers admit to driving with a dog on their lap.
http://www.pawstoclick.com

Ooops! 'worth' I meant (tiny keys) ;( R.I.P. to those #2 Woman and the Dog They Loved!!!!!

Shill, you belong in a carrier. We need a law!

When I was young I remember riding on the tail gate of my dads Ford station wagon . We might be going to the beach or to crab pond to get what ever shell fish we could find . We had the tubes, and rakes along with a dozen kids in the wagon with three of us on the tail gate. The dog was all over getting petted by the kids . We rode along laughing and joking not a care in the world.
If that happen today my father would be sited with a dozen tickets. DCYF would pay us a visit and the clam cops DEM would take our catch.
What kind of world do you want to live in?

One where I don't have to worry about some irresponsible person killing me or one of my family.

@Shill, I just said to my husband watch this person use Wikipedia as a source!! Guess what I invented toilet paper… or was it you? Who added it to the site first you or me? Again, please don't post links that ANYONE can add facts to. Innocence or naivety…. either way made me laugh!

@Shill 2005 stats from fox news...really? Let me be sarcastic for a moment- or for those that know me its usual- Fox news reports are never wrong...right?

@Shill What does this link have to do with wasted resources on passing a bill about dogs on a person causing accidents? You posted a link from 2005 from fox news, which are always truthful- sarcasm again…sorry, and now you post a link from 2011 that again has nothing to do with this bill?

Irish setters ride on the roof. Froo froo dogs can ride in your lap if they fit in your purse. Pit bulls can ridd in the back with the baby because they are really gentle and are always getting a bum rap.

Either way, let me go back to my original point, this bill is ridiculous, if a paid government official is going to spend tax payer money, resources and time to pass a bill, why can’t I EXPECT it to be more for what wrong with this state? This is such a waste. Rep Palumbo’s constituent supposedly had 2 close encounters with people who were distracted due to dogs on the lap. We have this law already, its called distracted driving and this term is used numerously in all of your posts. I love idea that you think wiki and fox are thought of as different uncensored entities. To answer your question, my stats are from a few sites/people i.e.: Edmonds, like you- NHTSA that I sent an email to when this bill introduced and got a response to my inquiry “I’m sorry there are currently no statistics at this time for your request but the NHTSA would be glad to help you in anyway we can” generic responses will loose all creditability for me…and Rana Williams who is an Independent consultant for more than 6 insurance companies. If you would like the e-mail in hand my husband or myself are at town farm every night but Friday for soccer or baseball. Also my husband usually takes them there on Friday nights because I drive them to school, pick them up, do most school volunteer needed stuff, coach for 2 seasons and work 60+ hours a week from home. Just let me know.

P.S. Shill LOL!! - ( that means I am laughing...out loud)!

I don't know why (being a School Bus Driver you see it all) but EARLY MORNINGS! When parents bring students to School, atleast #3 vehicles a day I've seen and heading to Beaches! Some don't think 1st. w/ the pet they LOVE so much! They only ACT and will learn the hard way (turning in their license plate works)! Especially at Schools! It's a SHOW-OFF thing and shows their insecurity. THINK ABOUT IT (Early mornings)... SAD 2 SAY!!! MANY!!! LEARN the HARD WAY by any distraction they begin!, then becomes a habit and IF CHILDREN in the vehicle, you become their role-model Blessings! BE SAFE or NOT! CHOICE is "YOURS" SO FARRR

yes dogs should be banned.

I'm amazed that there is even a discussion about this. Other than the seatbelt there shouldn't be anything between the driver and the steering wheel, let alone something that can move on it's own and be a distraction to the driver.

There is no need for another common sense law.... These politicians need to stop trying to play God or be our hypocritical parents.

Three types of people in the world: Arrogant, stupid and, arrogant and stupid. The third usually become politicians.

Its just the same as strapping a small child in with you in your seatbelt. If you are hit or hit some one , YOUR body wait will CRUSH your pet BETWEEN YOU AND THE AIRBAG OR AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL! Now think about that the next time you let your "best friend" sit in your lap while you drive.