Kentucky Accident Blog

Hundreds Die Yearly From Riding in Cargo Areas of Pickup Trucks

Pickup Truck Cargo Safety-Kentucky Truck Accident Attorney

One of the most popular vehicles these days is a pickup truck.  A friend of mine just purchased one and said it was so he could haul things.  Every time anyone has to move something or needs help transporting a large appliance we go through our mental rolodex to see which of our friends has a pickup truck.  They are popular in rural areas and with teenaged boys.  They are great vehicles to have.

They can also be dangerous.  Dangerous when passengers are allowed to ride in the cargo area.  Hundreds of people die each year as a result of riding in the cargo area of pickup trucks.  It should be noted that half of the victims are children or teenagers.

The common thought is that the injuries and deaths are only from being ejected from the cargo area.  Serious injuries can also be sustained by exposure to carbon monoxide from exhaust fumes when riding in a covered bed.  There are situations when riding in the bed or cargo areas are safe.  Parades and hayrides are two examples but these are short slow rides with controlled surroundings.

There are several states that now have restrictions on passengers in the cargo area; many of them are age related.  Kentucky does not have any restrictions at this point.  Please remember how dangerous this activity is.  Encourage your friends and loved ones not to participate in this potentially deadly activity.