Although not necessarily illegal, riding in the bed of a pickup truck can be very dangerous. Many states have laws established regarding people riding in vehicle cargo areas. The majority of these laws are intended to protect persons under the age of 18. In the state of Michigan, it is unlawful for a minor to ride in the open bed of a pickup on a public roadway, at speeds greater than 15 miles per hour.
No matter your age, riding in the cargo area puts your life at risk. If the truck is going at high or even low speeds, you have an increased chance of being ejected out of the truck and becoming injured, or worse. This also applies if the truck is going around tight curves or going over bumps.
Passenger compartments are designed to provide the utmost protection to its occupants in the event of a crash. But occupants that are riding in the bed (cargo area) of a truck don’t have the proper restraints or seat belts to hold them down in an impact.
The safest option is to avoid riding in the bed of a truck at all. In the event that you must ride in the cargo area of a truck, make sure it is under safer conditions. This includes the driver of the truck going a very reduced speed in city streets. The driver should also not travel on interstates or busy highways and should avoid making sudden maneuvers or going through roads that have potholes or bumps. Under no circumstances should you ever stand in a moving truck bed.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
