Could pets become part of the distracted driving debate?

This news story from the weekend got me thinking about an issue that gets no attention: pets that distract a driver.
The debate over distracted driving focuses on texting and cell phones and also touches upon people eating, reading or putting on facial makeup while behind the wheel.
But we all know that a pet, particularly a large dog, can become a major distraction if it becomes agitated or excited while riding in a vehicle. This is especially an issue if the animal is not restrained and the driver is the lone occupant of the vehicle. 

***** 

A man who may have been distracted by his dog was killed Sunday afternoon when he lost control of the SUV he was driving and crashed into a guardrail on Interstate 94 in Chesterfield Township, according to the Michigan State Police.

MSP spokesman Lt. Michael Shaw said the man has been identified as William Skerchock, 73, of Macomb Township.

The Macomb Daily reported that the incident happened about 2:52 p.m. on I-94 near County Line Road when the driver ran off the roadway and struck a guardrail, Shaw said. Witnesses told investigators they saw a dog jumping around in the passenger seat before the crash.

Both Skerchock and the dog were pronounced dead at the scene, Shaw added. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the accident, Shaw said.