An unrestrained dog flung forward in a 30mph car crash would hit the driver with as much force as a polar bear, research has shown.

Animal charity PDSA is urging drivers to make sure pets are buckled in, warning that both pets and their owners could face injury otherwise.

The charity says that if a border collie weighing 50 pounds was thrown forward in a 30mph crash its weight due to acceleration would be equivalent to that of a polar bear.

"It's not just your pet that would be injured - you risk seriously harming the people travelling in the car", said a PDSA spokesman.

The charity is launching the Pet Holiday Health campaign ahead of the summer getaway. 200,000 car accidents a year occur through distractions within the vehicle, whether it be down to children, pets or insects.

Larger dogs should be buckled in with a special safety harness and smaller ones secured in a well ventilated pet carried secured by the seatbelt.

Pet owning drivers are also urged to make regular stops and drive at a constant speed.

PDSA vet and TV presenter Steve Leonard said: "Cars are an alien environment to pets, but by being patient and taking a few simple precautions you can ensure that a car journey with your pet is safe and enjoyable for all."

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