It Seems Fun and Relatively Harmless to Ride in the Back of a Truck. However, Thousands of People Througout the California and San Diego are Injured or Killed After Being Ejected Out of the Back of a Truck.
In the country side or in rural areas in San Diego County, it is not uncommon to see people riding in the back of pickup trucks. While it is technically legal in some cases for people to ride on truck beds, the likelihood of a minor accident turning fatal for them is doubled.
Truck beds are designed to carry cargo, not people; and they provide little-to-no protection in a crash. In addition, it is extremely dangerous while navigating small bumps and turns because it can eject both children and adults. Imagine that you were sitting in the bed of a truck and it came to a sudden stop. It will easily eject you into oncoming traffic, leading to injury or even death. Without seatbelts, minor obstacles on the road may prove fatal. If you are driving a truck while transporting passengers in the back, you could be charged with vehicular homicide in the event of a death.
California Law
California Vehicle Code Section 23116 states as follows:
- No person driving a pickup truck on a highway shall transport any person in or on the back of the truck.
- No person shall ride in or on the back of a pickup being driven on a highway.
It is, however, legal for a person to ride in the back of the truck if he is secured with a restraint system.
The restraint system shall meet or exceed the federal motor vehicle safety standards published in Sections 571.207, 571.209, and 571.210 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.In an emergency situation, it is also legal.
Other situations that are acceptable include a parade if the vehicle does not travel more than 8 mph and on a farmer owned vehicle if used exclusive within the farming land or 1 mile of highway between one part to another.
If You Want To Carry Passengers
You can add a cab to your truck and install seatbelts in the back for maximum protection. A cab can prevent passengers from being ejected in an accident, and seatbelts restrain passengers during accidents. Cabs are relatively inexpensive, and the cost will be worthwhile if you can save lives.
Contact a Pickup Truck Accident Attorney
Though it may seem like fun to ride in the back with your friends, it is too dangerous that is simply not worth the risk. If you want to carry passengers in your truck bed, there are safe ways to do so. However, if you ignore these safety precautions and an accident occurs, you may be liable for the injuries suffered or wrongful death of the victim.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed while riding in the bed of a pickup truck without any safety restraint, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs. The truck accident attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group will get you the money you need to cover the damages and get you back up on your feet. Call our personal injury law office at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation.
The San Diego car accident lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group provide important strategies and news affecting San Diego auto accident injury victims. Follow our Facebook updates for more information. For free information and for help with your car accident claim, contact our San Diego personal injury law office at 888-233-5020 for a free consultation.
