Pickup trucks are not meant for travelling. But it’s common to see people using them, neglecting the risks of using them as a passenger vehicle. There are no strict laws on this, and significantly, each state has its own rules and regulations.
In New York and New Jersey, it is completely banned to travel in trucks. While other states like Colorado permit it, with age restrictions and proper restraints. People are always excited to ride in the bed of a pickup truck because they consider it a thrill and a fun experience.
But it comes with potential dangers and risks. And that too, a child traveling in this is the worst thing a parent can do to their kid. Here’s why sitting or standing in the back of a pickup truck is never a good idea.
1. Higher Ejection Risks
The biggest danger people often overlook is that the passenger can be easily thrown out because the back is totally unprotected, especially during a sudden stop or sharp turn. Remember, even a small accident can be really serious, because the passenger is in constant motion, and even a sudden brake can get the person thrown out easily.
Since pickup beds are open, the chances of being thrown out are much higher than sitting inside a car. Rollovers (when the vehicle flips) are even more dangerous. Even at slow speeds, the impact can be bad.
2. High Chances of Serious Injuries
The back of a pickup truck is not built or designed for passengers. The purpose of trucks is that they are meant to carry goods, tools, or materials, but not people. There’s no seat, no seat belt, and no airbag to protect you.
If the driver hits a bump, brakes suddenly, or takes sharp turns, you can easily get hurt just by falling inside the truck bed itself, hitting the sides, or hitting the hard metal floor. And in case of an accident, the chances of injury are ten times higher.
There’s nothing to reduce the impact. Injuries like head trauma, spinal damage, or deep cuts are very common in such cases. Remember, the pickup bed gives zero protection; you’re completely exposed to every risk on the road.
3. Bad Weather Conditions
Weather adds another layer of danger that people don’t usually consider. The open truck gives no cover from the sun, rain, wind, or dust. On a hot day, the metal surface becomes so hot that you can’t even sit on it, and if you do, it can be really worse, causing burns and dizziness throughout the ride.
During rainy days, it gets slippery, making it hard to hold onto anything. And when the truck moves fast, the rain or dust directly hits your face, making it even harder to balance. If the road is muddy or uneven, things can go wrong very quickly. A single slip can throw you off. It’s even more unsafe for children or pets. So, please refrain from taking your kids in this.
Financial Trouble
The thing is, most insurance companies don’t cover injuries related to these open truck cases. That is because people are aware there is no protection or features, and still they travel in the unsafe spot. So, it’s always better to avoid this because in case something worse happens, you could end up paying hospital bills on your own.
Stay Safe
If you ever need to travel in a pickup, sit inside the cabin only. Riding in the back of a pickup truck might look fun, but it’s actually one of the most dangerous places to be. One sudden stop or sharp turn is enough to cause a serious accident. Life is precious, so don’t risk it just for a short ride.
Key Takeaways
- Pickup truck beds are not safe for passengers; there are no seat belts or protection, making falls and ejections very likely.
- Even small accidents can cause serious injuries since the open bed offers no support during sudden stops or turns.
- Bad weather and rough roads increase the risk, so it’s always safer to sit inside the cabin with proper safety measures.
