As a mobile vet practice, we spend a huge amount of time on the roads of Bermuda, and it got me thinking about car safety for our pets. And believe me, I have seen some accidents waiting to happen. Whether you're cruising to the beach or running errands, car rides with dogs can be a blast. But safety must always come first.

Unsecured pets can become projectiles in an accident, distract drivers, or even escape mid-drive. I have seen all these scenarios play out on our island’s roads so thought I should share some of that knowledge and hopefully prevent future problems.

When putting your pet into the car it is important for them to be secured for their own safety as well as yours, in the same way we think about children.

For pets, sturdy crates are safest, secured with seatbelts or anchors. Another good choice is a pet seatbelt harness which attaches to the car seatbelt.

Pick ones that fit comfortably are crash-tested so that you know how they respond at different speeds.

Mesh screens or dividers keep dogs out of your lap (and off the cars controls), but they do little to protect your pet in the event of an accident.

I have treated many pets that jumped out of a car window, for road rash, fractures or worse. It is so important to secure them, even for short trips.

Make sure the leash is the correct length to prevent them jumping into your lap or out of the window as this can be extremely dangerous for both of you.

Always remember to clip on their walking leash before un-clipping from the car harness to prevent escapes when you arrive at your destination.

Many cars have front seat airbags which can cause severe injury or death to a dog. Place pets in the back to avoid airbag injuries.

I am certainly seeing more dogs than ever before sitting in the front seat of cars as I drive around Bermuda.

I did treat a Rotti once who hit a telephone pole as he went round a corner with his head out of the window. Luckily, he was OK, but I’m sure he had a serious headache, poor love.

Pets in the car can be a distraction for the driver. Some dogs love a car ride, but others find them stressful or can make them nauseous.

Try not to feed them a large meal just before travelling to help with this. Take short drives first to see how your pet copes with the motion and always take them for a toilet break before starting out.

In the summertime, even a very short time in a car can be fatal so cool the car down before they get in and monitor the airflow.

If your pet is a nervous traveller try to do some training before you drive to make the car as comfortable as possible for them.

Bring a toy, cozy blanket, or a worn T-shirt to make the car feel more like home.

I remember seeing a very happy cat sitting on the parcel shelf of a car watching the world go by, but not all pets like the car so listen to your animals and make sure they want to go.

As one of my doctors always jokes, ‘Pets are the new kids and plants are the new pets,’ so let’s be sure we are keeping our pets safe, just as we do with our kids, as we travel on our island’s roads.

It is important for all of us, not least our precious pets.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog and two cats. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda