A reminder to pet owners this long weekend to take the safety of their pets seriously

Pets that aren't restrained can be a common cause of driver distraction and accidents on the roads.

Research out of the US suggests an unrestrained five kilogram pet will exert about 135 kilograms of pressure in a crash, at 50 kilometres per hour.

PD Pet Insurance Chief Operating Officer Michelle Le Long says people should make sure their pets are ready for the trip, before they hit the road.

She says to avoid danger placing a dog box in the back of the vehicle is a safer option, or harnessing them in the back seat.