BarkBuckleUP Pet Travel Safety Program

Volvo WINS Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice in America

SAN DIEGO, April 3, 2008 -- Safety is for everyone. "While most people understand that buckling up saves lives, little thought is given to our pets," states Christina Selter, BarkBuckleUP Founder. "In fact less then 2 percent of American pet parents actually utilize a pet restraint system. After an accident, first responders often have little time to access injured occupants and pets pose a unique set of problems we never thought about."

For example, in a 35-mile-per-hour accident, a 60-pound dog can turn into about 2,700 pounds of deadly force that can injure or kill interior occupants. "Another critical point is when first responders try to access a vehicle; the dog can become aggressive -- overly protective -- making entry difficult at best. Or when the door opens the pet can cause another accident by running into traffic," according to Selter. "That's the catch, that's why people must restrain pets in cars, they can be dangerous to occupants and cause another unexpected accident."

"Volvo Builds Safety and BarkBuckleUP is Safety, what safer vehicle for you and your pets to travel in," said BarkBuckleUP's founder.

"Volvo believes this campaign to educate and inform consumers as to what can happen to pets after an accident will save lives," states Daniel Johnston, Product Communications, Volvo Cars of North America. "This secondary, after the accident, issue makes perfect sense. We all understand the obvious danger unrestrained pets pose. We just never thought about what can happen after an accident. Our relationship is one of helping BarkBuckleUp get their message to people."

It only takes a few minutes to safeguard a pet's safety by properly restraining them, accidents happen, and pets are part of family life. There is a responsibility to fellow passengers, and to first responders to help protect everyone against injury. "If your pet could, he'd probably thank you." states Christina Selter.

   Media contacts:
   BarkBuckleUP
   Be Smart Ride Safe
   121 Broadway #342
   San Diego, Ca 92101
   1-619-321-9829
   http://www.barkbuckleup.com/

   Daniel Johnston
   Volvo Cars of North America
   1-201-784-4504